Wind Power News: Northern Ireland
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Row blows up over wind turbine plan
A row has blown up in Hillsborough over plans by Lisnagarvey Hockey Club to put a wind turbine up at their grounds. Objectors have voiced their concerns over the proposal, which would see a 75 foot 20KW Commercial Wind Turbine erected on the club’s base on Comber Road. The club, however, have said the plan is part of their drive to become more environmentally friendly. A number of residents opposed to the plan say that the majority of Hillsborough’s 3,400 . . .
Gaelectric cleared for Derry wind farm
Renewable energy group, Gaelectric today said it has secured full planning approval for its 42 MW wind energy development at Dunbeg, Co. Derry representing an investment of E68m. They have also reached financial close on their wind farm development at Skrine, Co. Roscommon. Dunbeg will be one of the most significant wind farm developments on the island of Ireland and will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of 24,000 homes. The development will consist of 14 wind . . .
How sustainable is renewable energy?
The success, to date, of fossil fuels being able to meet energy demand any time required has led to a feeling of society wide unrealistic entitlement. This translates into a belief that whatever we want we can always have whenever we want it. This of course is leading to problems as it patently can no longer be maintained. It also has lead to the development of quite unrealistic expectations as to how far renewables can replace fossil fuels. Renewable energy . . .
Families fight wind farm proposals
Families living near the Co Antrim village of Loughguile have said they’ll fight proposals to build more wind farms in their area. The residents claim the huge turbines will destroy a scenic glen and are calling on the energy company behind them to think again. The surrounding hills already have 21 large wind turbines, but Renewable Energy Systems (RES) is looking to add at least another nine. While the company may be riding the wave of investment that’s backing green . . .
No more windmills say local group
A campaign has been launched to prevent a commercial wind farm being erected at one of North Antrim’s most famous beauty spots. A planning application for up to nine turbines to be sited at Altaveedan Wind Farm along the Orra mountain is currently under consideration by the authorities but residents of Loughgiel and the wider community say if the plan is approved it will cause untold harm to the environment as well as spoiling what is an area of Special . . .
£18m wind farm plan for Pomeroy
A multi-million pound wind farm at Pomeroy has just received planning approval to build five massive turbines. Gaelectric, the Irish renewable energy company, said the 11.5 megawatt (MW) wind farm at Cregganconroe will be able to generate energy equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of around 6500 homes. Investment totalling £18m will be pumped in the farm which is just one of a number of projects that Gaelectric is planning for Northern Ireland. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr . . .
Exhibition on plan for wind farm in County Antrim
Residents of a County Antrim village are being invited to a public exhibition later, to hear plans for a proposed wind farm. They will be able to view the proposals for the Altaveedan wind farm, at the Millenium Centre in Loughguile. It will consist of nine 100 metre high wind turbines. North Antrim DUP MLA, Mervyn Storey said it was important that local views were considered. Obviously there is concern from a number of residents,” he said. “They have recently . . .
Relocation application for Curryfree wind speed mast
A firm behind a proposed Londonderry windfarm set to generate enough electricity to power 8,000 homes has applied to relocate a 60m meteorological mast that will measure the wind speed at the facility. RES UK & Ireland has been granted planning permission to develop a 6 turbine wind farm at Curryfree, south of Newbuildings/Drumahoe and north of Donemana. The renewable energy firm estimates the farm will generate enough pollution-free energy to provide domestic electricity for 9,500 homes. Now the firm . . .
No opinion from Moyle Council on major wind farm
Moyle Council has decided not to voice an opinion – so far at least – on plans for a massive wind farm of over 100 turbines, each several hundred feet high, off the coast of Kintyre which will be visible from north Antrim. Some councillors expressed concern but in the end the Council decided not to support or oppose the plan and merely noted the matter. The proposed Kintyre offshore Wind Farm will be three kilometres to the west of . . .
