Planning granted to extend kitepower testing site in north Mayo

A dedicated kitepower test hub located on a former Bord na Móna bog in north Mayo which was the first of its kind has been granted permission to continue testing.

RWE Renewables Ireland Ltd received planning permission from Mayo County Council to continue the use of an Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) test facility located on a cut away bog site close to the N59, 3km from Bangor Erris.

Planning permission for the test site which is the first of its kind was given in 2020 but at the time testing was limited to five years to allow for a review of the facility.

It was initially proposed to operate a remotely piloted aircraft at the site but in 2023, Mayo County Council were informed that a kitepower system, using a large parachute type apparatus would be used instead.

The project, led by Dutch company Kitepower, is being hailed as a potential 'game changer' in the wind energy sector. As the kite catches the wind and rises, it pulls on the tether, which spins the drum on the ground and generates electricity. The force generated on the tether can reach between 2.5 to 4 tonnes, and each kite can produce up to 30 kilowatts of electricity per hour. The electricity is stored in an onboard battery system and can be used whenever needed.

In the application to extend the use of the AWE test facility, George Tottenham of RWE, stated that the 'site is a key centre for the advancement of the innovative airborne wind technology'.

“The ongoing research, development, and demonstration activities have led to breakthroughs in airborne wind, positioning both the region and the suppliers at the forefront of technology development," he stated.

READ: Mayo Minister calls on NTA to reverse decision to cut Achill bus service

The test site also welcomes guided tours as well as trainee placement from local schools and universities and Mr Tottenham said the continuation of operations at the test site will 'allow to build further on these achievements'.

As access to the site is from the N59, Transport Infrastructure Ireland said the proposed development is at variance with national policy and recommended a Traffic Impact Assessment be carried out by the developer.

However, RWE stated that permission which was previously granted for the existing facility addressed all matters pertaining to traffic and felt the request was unreasonable and unwarranted.

A submission was also received from Peter Sweetman on behalf of Wild Ireland Defence where he claimed that an Appropriate Assessment was never carried out on the site and as such the local authority could not legally grant planning permission.

However, Mayo County Council stated that this claim was erroneous as a Natura Impact Statement was submitted as part of the original application.

The local authority also stated that they had no concerns as regards the impact on the natural environment from the test site and as a result granted planning permission for the application.