Gaelectric begins construction on UK wind farm

Gaelectric has begun construction on a 42MW wind farm site, situated near the A37 mid-way between Limavady and Coleraine, at Dunbeg in County Derry.

The €70m wind farm, which is expected to generate renewable power to around 24,000 homes, will include 14 Enercon wind turbines with a maximum hub height of 80m and a maximum blade diameter of 90m.

The preliminary work on the plant was started during late 2013 and the full operation of the wind farm is expected by mid 2014.

Gaelectric Northern Ireland commercial manager Patrick McClughan said the Dunbeg wind farm development is the latest in a portfolio of renewable energy projects that the company is progressing in Northern Ireland.

"Gaelectric plans to invest €730 million, (£600 million) in Northern Ireland in renewable energy generation and energy storage over the next 3 years. During 2013 Gaelectric raised €194 million (£160 million) in funding across its portfolio and will continue to raise finance to support the roll out of its project development programme," McClughan added.

In May 2013, the company has officially opened its first €24m Carn Hill wind farm in Northern Ireland, located in Newtownabbey of County Antrim.

Gaelectric said that it has secured full planning approval for nine Northern Ireland wind farm developments in the last three years, which represent an investment of about €200m.

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