Ireland - Gaelectric in the process of constructing 42MW wind farm

Dunbeg will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of 24,000 homes. The total investment at Dunbeg will amount to €70 million.

The wind farm will consist of 14 Enercon wind turbines with a maximum hub height of 80m and a maximum blade diameter of 90m.

Preliminary works commenced towards the end of 2013 and the wind farm is due to be fully operational by mid 2014.

Patrick McClughan, Gaelectric’s Commercial Manager in Northern Ireland, discusses:

“The Dunbeg wind farm development is the latest in a portfolio of renewable energy projects that Gaelectric is progressing in Northern Ireland. Gaelectric plans to invest €730 million, in Northern Ireland in renewable energy generation and energy storage over the next 3 years. During 2013 Gaelectric raised €194 million in funding across its portfolio and will continue to raise finance to support the roll out of its project development programme. The commencement of construction of our Dunbeg site marks yet another milestonefor our business in Northern Ireland and further strengthens Gaelectric’s platform in the energy market.

“Dunbeg will not only provide a significant boost to Northern Ireland’s renewable energy capacity, it will also generate jobs, support increased workforce skills and provide economic activity in the area.”

Mr McClughan added: “Gaelectric has completed an extensive consultation programme to update local communities on the Dunbeg project and a locally administered community fund in the region of €1.2million will be established to support community projects in the area.”

Gaelectric recently reaffirmed its commitment to Northern Ireland with the expansion of its Belfast Technical office. The company also officially opened its first operational wind farm in Northern Ireland in May 2013. The €24million Carn Hill wind farm is located near Newtownabbey, County Antrim.

Gaelectric has secured full planning approval for nine Northern Ireland wind farm developments (including Carn Hill and Dunbeg) in the last three years. In total, these nine wind farms will give Gaelectric circa 123MW of consented projects in Northern Ireland and represent a total investment of approx. €200 million. Gaelectric’s plan is to commission this near-term portfolio by 2017.