Energia Group and Microsoft have announced the launch of the Drumlins Park wind farm, the first project to reach commercial operation under their strategic framework agreement signed in 2022. Located near Newbliss in County Monaghan, Ireland, the new wind farm features eight wind turbines supplied by GE Renewable Energy and has a capacity of 49 megawatts (MW).

This milestone represents the beginning of a large-scale initiative to expand renewable energy infrastructure in Ireland. The framework agreement between Energia Group and Microsoft aims to develop a portfolio of onshore wind farms and solar projects to provide additional renewable electricity to the national grid.

Ian Thom, CEO of Energia Group, emphasized the significance of this project: "The Drumlins Park wind farm is a key milestone for our collaboration with Microsoft and our efforts to support Ireland's energy transition. It underscores our commitment to advancing renewable energy infrastructure and meeting Ireland's climate targets."

Lavinia Morris, General Manager of EMEA Data Centre Operations at Microsoft, noted, "This project is a significant step toward our goal of achieving 100% renewable energy for our data centers and other facilities worldwide. We are excited about continuing our partnership with Energia to enhance Ireland's renewable energy capacity."

The project will also benefit the local community through an annual Community Benefit Fund of approximately €270,000 ($294,000), which will be allocated by an independent committee.

Source: powerengineeringint.com