With electricity demand rising and climate targets fast approaching, the race is on for Ireland to deliver energy infrastructure that's secure, sustainable and built for the future. That's why we're focused on accelerating offshore and onshore renewables, delivering flexible back up power, and making energy use smarter for homes and businesses.
It's time to power on and turn ambitious policy into real progress.
SSE in Ireland
SSE Renewables
SSE Renewables develops, constructs and operates world class renewable assets in its core markets of Ireland and the UK, with a growing presence internationally. This includes 800MW of operational onshore wind capacity on the island of Ireland across 32 wholly owned SSE and joint venture wind farm sites.
SSE has recently grown its onshore wind portfolio in Ireland with the completion of Yellow River Wind Farm, which is now producing clean and secure renewable power from the Midlands for Irish homes and businesses. The 101MW, 29-turbine wind farm in Offaly entered commercial operations this autumn and is now Ireland’s newest onshore wind farm.
Accelerating offshore wind development in Ireland is also key priority for SSE, with current efforts focused on delivering its flagship project, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2. Subject to planning permission being received and a final investment decision, the capacity of the windfarm located off the coast of Wicklow will be 800MW. If delivered, SSE will be fulfilling the pioneering vision of delivering commercial scale offshore wind at Arklow Bank which dates back almost 20 years to when the first seven turbines were installed at the site and became Ireland’s first offshore windfarm.
SSE Airtricity
SSE Airtricity supplies electricity and gas for almost 750,000 energy customers across the island of Ireland.
It harnesses the wind from SSE Renewables wind farms to supply greener electricity for homes and businesses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It also supplies an array of energy related services such as smart electricity plans and home energy upgrades, helping customers to reduce and control energy usage in their homes.
Businesses across the island benefit from SSE Airtricity’s innovative energy solutions including energy audits, solar PV, and corporate power purchase agreements.
SSE Thermal
SSE Thermal is on a mission to deliver the flexible energy needed today while powering the transition to net zero. Today, our 464MW plant at Great Island in Wexford is Ireland’s largest and most efficient gas-fired power station – playing a pivotal role in keeping the lights on across the island.
We’re also stepping up to deliver the next generation of flexible power with two new power stations in development. In Meath, Platin Power Station - which has planning consent for up to 170MW - will strengthen security of supply and respond to periods of high demand in the Leinster region. Designed with long-term sustainability in mind, it will be capable of running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable biofuel. SSE is also seeking consent to operate it on natural gas to fully utilise the plant’s capability to meet Ireland’s energy needs. Meanwhile, in Kerry, SSE is progressing the Tarbert Next Generation Power Station to construction. This 300MW facility will run entirely on HVO. Both stations have the potential to convert to hydrogen in the future, when Ireland’s policy environment allows. These projects reflect SSE’s commitment to supporting Ireland’s electricity system while laying the foundations for a low-carbon future.
Our strategy in action
Our current investment allocation
Our €930M five-year Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus investment plan to 2027 expects to allocate ~40% into renewables, ~10% into Airtricity, and ~50% into other businesses, including gas and low-carbon flexible generation technologies.