British energy company SSE has inaugurated the Phase one of the 169MW Galway wind park located in the city of Galway in Ireland.

The wind farm named as Comhlacht Gaoithe Teoranta (CGT) and the phase one of the project features 22 turbines, with a total capacity of 66MW of clean electricity.

Turbines for the wind farm have been supplied by German manufacturer Siemens while the nacelles, hubs, blades and other ancillary turbine components have been shipped to Galway Harbour. 

The larger tower components were shipped to the site from Foynes, Co. Limerick.

Main work for the project began in December, 2014 and it took about two and half years for the wind project to complete the construction.

The first phase of the project will be wholly-owned by SSE, while phase two will be a 50/ 50 joint venture between SSE and forestry company Collite.

The second phase of the wind farm will consist of another 36 turbines with a power-generating capacity of 105MW. SSE stated that the construction of the second phase is ongoing and it is expected to be completed later this year. The approximate time has not been mentioned by the company.

When completed, the project will be Ireland’s largest onshore wind farm, which is expected of offset about 190,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, while providing clean, green energy to about 80% of homes in Galway.

SSE Galway Wind Park project manager James O’Hara said: “This is a huge achievement for our project team, and it comes after years of hard work from everyone involved. Phase one is an impressive wind farm in its own right, and its completion is a major milestone in the context of the overall Galway Wind Park project.

"As you would expect from a project of this scale and significance, it has involved a great team effort and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone who has played a part. I would also like to say a big thank you to the local community for their cooperation during the construction of the first phase, and for their ongoing support as we continue construction on phase two with our project partners Coillte."

Image: SSE completes phase one of Galway wind project in Ireland. Photo: Courtesy of SSE.