Offaly Community Groups Invited to Apply to Yellow River Benefit Fund

SSE Renewables has launched the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund for communities within 10 km of the Yellow River Wind Farm near Rhode in County Offaly, Ireland, offering annual financial support for local initiatives through two funding streams to eligible not-for-profit groups.

Set up in accordance with the Government’s Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), the Yellow River Community Benefit Fund will provide €2 for every megawatt-hour of renewable power produced. Not-for-profit organisations located within 10 km of the Yellow River Wind Farm are eligible to apply, with those within a 5 km radius given preference. The programme is divided into two funding streams: the Local Community Fund, which backs smaller, grassroots projects that benefit the immediate area, and the Major Projects Fund, aimed at supporting larger initiatives with lasting, wide-reaching impact. The fund aims to back community initiatives that tackle local issues through creative approaches aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly projects advancing quality education, clean energy, sustainable communities and climate action.

The Yellow River Wind Farm that supports the fund started construction in October 2022 and entered operation in 2025, with its last turbine installed in June 2024. Made up of 29 turbines and with an installed capacity exceeding 101 MW, the wind farm can produce enough renewable power each year for up to 75,000 Irish homes and prevent almost 70,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.