Actions not ambitions will secure Ireland’s energy future

SSE is investing over €900 million in Ireland’s homegrown energy, building renewable energy assets, flexible power plants and EV charging infrastructure.

Over the past two decades, SSE has been investing in critical energy infrastructure for Ireland.

At the heart of our business is a belief that actions, not just ambitions, are what will deliver an energy system that is cleaner, cheaper and more secure. Reflecting this commitment, we have a fully funded investment plan to inject over €900 million into Ireland by 2027, with the potential to invest up to €2 billion by the end of the decade, or more if the policy environment allows.

Progressing offshore wind development in Ireland is high on our agenda. Our team in SSE Renewables is currently focused on delivering our flagship Irish offshore windfarm, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2. Subject to planning permission and a final investment decision, the capacity of the wind farm, located off the coast of Wicklow, will be 800MW. If delivered, we 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 and only operational offshore wind farm.

While the scale of offshore wind power will be vital, the continued development of onshore wind assets cannot be overlooked if Ireland is to meet its energy targets.

SSE Renewables now owns and operates 800MW of onshore wind in Ireland since Yellow River Wind Farm reached commercial operation in spring 2025. This wholly owned 29 turbine wind farm is located in Offaly and boasts an installed capacity of more than 100MW.

Our onshore development pipeline was further bolstered last year when we announced a partnership with Bord na Móna that will target the delivery of up to 800MW of new onshore wind energy for Ireland, marking one of the largest onshore renewable energy joint ventures in the history of the state.

Recognising that back-up power is essential to maintaining energy security when the wind doesn’t blow, SSE is also leading the delivery of the next generation of flexible power generation. SSE Thermal operates Great Island Power Station, the largest and most efficient gas-powered plant in Ireland. Almost a decade in operation, the site continues to be essential in supporting security of supply and can generate enough power to supply approximately eight% of peak demand. It highlights the continued importance of gas-fired power stations, with a clear need for continued investment in new flexible power generation to support security of supply.

Looking ahead, we have taken a final investment decision to build our Tarbert Next Generation Power Station. The 300MW plant in Kerry will run on 100% sustainable biofuels with the potential to convert to hydrogen, reflecting SSE Thermal’s commitment to supporting the electricity system in Ireland while laying the foundations for a low-carbon future. Delivery will represent a total capital expenditure investment of up to €300m by SSE Thermal.

SSE’s investment is not limited to large-scale projects. The company is helping customers take green actions of their own.

For the past 25 years, SSE Airtricity has been providing cleaner, energy to homes and businesses across the country. Today the company’s 750,000 customers have access to a range of services including smart metering and the Generation Green Home Upgrade retrofit programme which is supporting the retrofit of 45,000 homes in Ireland over the next 10 years.

SSE Airtricity is also making it easier for people to charge their electric vehicles (EVs). Last summer, we opened our first Irish charging facility at Lough Sheever Corporate Park in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The 10-bay facility is part of a broader plan to build 300 ultra-rapid EV charging hubs powered by traceable, renewable energy in Ireland and the UK in the next five years.

Learn more about SSE’s plans at sse.com/Ireland.

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