The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Atmos Renewables, Foresight, Belltown Power, RES, and others.
Atmos Renewables Starts Construction of 470 MW Parron Maam Marang Wind Farm in Australia
Australian renewable-energy developer Atmos Renewables has officially started construction of the 470 MW Parron Maam Marang wind farm in Western Australia. The milestone was announced by the state government on October 24 and reported October 26. Located near Badgingarra, approximately 200 kilometres north of Perth, the project will feature 78 Vestas V162-6.2 MW wind turbines across approximately 8,400 hectares of agricultural land. Annual generation is expected to supply electricity equivalent to consumption by approximately 350,000 households. Commercial operation is targeted for late 2028. The project has secured revenue support under Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme and a long-term electricity purchase agreement with Synergy. Peak construction employment could reach 400 workers.
Foresight and Belltown Power Expand UK Wind Repowering Venture to Target 500 MW
British investment manager Foresight Group and renewable-energy developer Belltown Power have expanded their existing joint venture to pursue at least 500 MW of onshore wind repowering projects in the United Kingdom. Announced October 26, the initiative will initially focus on five existing wind assets with approximately 125 MW of combined operating capacity. The portfolio includes the Bowbeat and Cruach Mhor projects in Scotland, alongside three additional sites in southern Scotland and England. Repowering will involve replacing older wind turbines with fewer, larger and more efficient machines. The companies also intend to evaluate additional development opportunities in England and Wales. The venture combines Foresight’s investment capabilities with Belltown’s project development expertise.
RES Secures Approval for 120 MW/480 MWh Ballyross Battery Project in Northern Ireland
Renewable-energy developer RES has secured planning approval for the 120 MW/480 MWh Ballyross battery energy storage project in Northern Ireland. Announced October 26, the four-hour battery facility received consent from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee. The development will be located near the existing Ballyvallagh electricity substation, approximately two kilometres southwest of Gleno. Its location is intended to reduce the requirement for additional grid connection infrastructure. Construction is expected to take approximately 20 months, although a start date has not been announced. Ballyross represents RES’s first consented battery storage project in Northern Ireland. The facility will store electricity during periods of high renewable generation and discharge during periods of greater demand.
