ESB and Renewable Energy

Our strategy Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040 sets out a clear roadmap to achieve net zero emissions. We are investing in the development of new renewable generation, including onshore and offshore wind and solar, and significantly increasing the amount of renewable generation connected to our electricity networks. 

We will

• Deliver more than a fivefold increase in our renewable generation portfolio to 5,000MW.
• Reduce carbon intensity of generation fleet from 414 to 140gCO2/kWh by 2030.
• Decarbonise 63% of our generation output by 2030 and 100% by 2040 (up from c20% now).

Our Current Onshore Wind Projects

We believe in the power of wind energy and the potential it has to help deliver a net zero future for society.  From our first 5MW wind farm in Crockahenny, Co Donegal in 1998 we have developed an onshore wind asset portfolio that has the capacity to supply 1GW of clean energy. Take a look at our asset map here for more information on all our wind farm sites across Ireland and the UK. 

Battery Storage

Hydrogen 

Hydrogen produced from renewable electricity will play a significant role in the decarbonisation of many sectors. We plan to use our existing capabilities and future renewable growth to become a leading player in large scale renewable hydrogen production, thereby enabling renewable electricity, in the form of electrons or green modules, to meet the energy requirements of Ireland’s future zero carbon economy.

Offshore Wind

Ireland has a unique capability given its prime location to take advantage of the potential of offshore wind. We are working hard to develop offshore wind projects for the benefit of everyone across society in Ireland and the UK. These projects include:

• Oriel Offshore Wind - The Oriel Windfarm project is being jointly developed by Parkwind and ESB and is located off the coast of Co Louth. 
• Clogherhead Offshore Wind - ESB and Parkwind are collaborating to investigate the feasibility of developing the Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm, approximately 10km off the County Louth coast. 
• Sea Stacks Offshore Wind – Located approximately 12km off the coast of south Dublin and north Wicklow.
• Celtic Offshore Wind – Phase one of the project will be located 8km offshore to the east of Cork and the south of Waterford.
• Helvick Head Offshore Wind – Located approximately 10km southeast of Helvick Head off the Waterford coast.
• Loch Garman Offshore Wind – Located approximately 10km off the Wexford coast.
• Moneypoint Offshore Wind – Located off the West Coast of Ireland. This project will be ESB’s flagship floating offshore wind farm in Ireland.

These projects build on our stake in Galloper Offshore Wind Farm (acquired by ESB in 2018) as well as our 50% shareholding in Neart na Gaoithe, a 448 MW offshore wind farm currently under construction off the east coast of Scotland. In October 2020, ESB also partnered with Edinburgh-based Red Rock Power Limited to form a 50:50 joint venture for Inch Cape Offshore Limited. This 72-turbine wind farm is in development off the east coast of Scotland. You can read more here. 

Solar Energy

ESB is continuing to develop a growing solar energy portfolio, partnering with others to help deliver this and significantly reduce carbon emissions.