The closure vision for a green energy hub was developed in the mid-2000s. Lisheen successfully

applied for planning permission to construct 18 on-site wind turbines during operations to help

reduce the pumping costs of what was a very wet mine. As well as proving the wind resource for

the area, Lisheen overcame strong negative community opinions with respect to wind turbines.

Once the community accepted the application, subsequent developments have had smooth

passage. On closure, the electrical infrastructure installed by Lisheen to support the wind farm

was kept and subsequently leveraged by others to develop further wind farms in the vicinity. The

Lisheen substation is now connected to 44 wind turbines, installed in four phases, with a capacity

of 131MW.

Lisheen also has planning permission for a 122 MW solar farm on its closed tailings

facility. Discussions are also underway regarding power storage projects, including batteries and

– potentially – hydrogen production and storage. It is fair to say that the original vision for a green

energy hub has been realised!