Norwegian delegation visits Offaly windfarm project

A Norwegian government delegation has visited an Offaly windfarm as part of a visit to Ireland focused on the country’s energy transition.

State Secretary Marte Haabeth Grindaker was in Ireland this week for the Informal Meeting of EU Energy Ministers and, during her visit, travelled to Statkraft’s Cushaling Wind Farm Project alongside Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, Ambassador Aslak Brun.

The delegation was given a first-hand look at the role of renewable energy developments in Ireland, including wind power, battery storage and plans for future solar generation.

The visit highlights the renewable energy sector cooperation between Norway and Ireland, especially given Grindaker's professional background as the former Head of Public Affairs for the Norwegian state-owned energy company, Statkraft.

Kevin O’Donovan, Managing Director of Statkraft UK and Ireland, guided the delegation around the facility and outlined Ireland’s progress in developing renewable energy and its plans for a greener energy future.

The Cushaling project is among a number of renewable energy developments contributing to the transformation of Ireland’s energy system, with the integration of wind generation, energy storage and solar power playing an increasingly important role.