Bord na Móna to raise €1.6billion for Climate Action Projects

Bord na Móna is to raise €1.6billion to fund a series of major climate action projects across its 200,000acre landholding.

The company has appointed Goodbody Corporate Finance to manage the fundraising for a series of largescale climate action projects, including wind and solar energy infrastructure developments for delivery in this decade.

Included in the projects is Ballivor Wind Farm, which is at preplanning stage, and includes lands at Ballivor, Raharney, Bracklyn and Lisclogher.

Announcing the fundraising and investment programme Bord na Móna Chief Executive, Tom Donnellan said Bord na Móna’s purpose is to help Ireland become carbon neutral by 2050 and we are committed to delivering this major pipeline of critical climate action projects.

"Bord na Móna has a national and business imperative to use our land and other assets to develop these projects," says Mr Donnellan, pictured above.

"We have already discerned a strong appetite from investors for the major renewable projects that we are developing and are delighted that Goodbody is on board to help manage the funding.”

Bord na Móna has six major projects in planning and construction phase with as many more to follow before 2030.

The company is already generating 10% of Irish renewable electricity and is on track to achieve a 300 per cent increase in its renewable energy output in this decade.

"By 2030 Bord na Móna will be generating enough renewable energy to supply nearly a third of all Irish homes. The company’s renewable energy supply will also significantly help Ireland deliver on its carbon reduction and green energy targets," continued Mr Donnellan.

The funding and investment announcement follows the company’s recent success in the first competitive auction under the Government’s new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-1).

Two Bord na Móna wind energy projects were successful in their bids, winning 158MW total capacity in the auction representing a massive 25 per cent of the total capacity awarded.

In 2018 the company adopted its Brown to Green strategy with the stated ambition of taking a leading role in delivering key aspects of national climate action policy. Under this strategy the company accelerated its development pipeline of renewable energy and recycling infrastructure.

Bord na Móna has also launched one of the largest peatland restoration and management programmes in Europe. This peatland restoration and management programme will significantly boost biodiversity and is aimed at securing and capturing more carbon in its lands.

Last week the European Commission proposed cutting 55% of Europe’s emissions by 2030, up from its previous goal of 40%, and said it would use hundreds of billions of euros worth of green bonds to help fund the target.

The European Commission funding plan will make €225billion available for climate action projects across the Union.

In 1992, Bord na Móna commissioned Ireland’s first commercial wind farm in Bellacorick, Co. Mayo. The company has since committed to investing in the development of wind and solar infrastructure helping Ireland to build a secure supply of renewable energy.

Bord na Móna renewable energy portfolio includes five wind farms that are currently operational, including Bellacorrick Wind Farm (6.4MW), Mountlucas Wind Farm (84MW), Bruckana Wind Farm (42MW), Drehid Landfill Gas 5.6 MW, Sliabh Bawn (JV) Wind Farm (64 MW), and Oweninny (JV) Wind Farm Phase 1 (93 MW).

In construction is Cloncreen Wind Farm (75 MW), Oweninny (JV) Wind Farm Phase 2 (83MW). Under pre-construction are Derryadd Wind Farm (90MW), Timahoe Solar Farm (JV) (70 MW). A planning application is currently underway for Derrinlough Wind Farm (85 MW).

In pre-planning is Ballivor Wind Farm, Oweninny Wind Farm Phase 3, while other projects are to be announced.