Wind power in the Republic of Ireland
Encyclopedia
As of 2011, the Republic of Ireland
has an installed wind power capacity of 1,428 megawatts. It is more than three times the total of 495.2 megawatts in 2005. In 2008 alone, the rate of growth was 54.6%, amongst the highest in the world. On July 31, 2009, the output from the country's turbines peaked at 999 megawatts. At that time, 39% of Ireland’s demand for electricity was met from wind. On October 24, 2009, the output exceeded 1000 megawatts for the first time with a peak of 1064 MW. Once in April 2010, 50% of electricity demand was met from wind power. However, the wind generation capacity factor
for 2010 was approx. 23.5%, giving an annual average wind energy penetration of approx. 11% of total KWh consumed. ,
A new record in the output of Ireland’s wind farms was recorded at 6pm on Wednesday evening November 2nd 2011, it reached 1,412 megawatts. That figure is enough power to supply the equivalent of 918,000 domestic homes nationally.
stated a goal to have 22% of the total energy consumed by member states to be produced from renewable energy resources by 2010. As a result, Ireland, in a report titled "Policy Consideration for Renewable Electricity to 2010", made the commitment to have 4% of its total energy consumption come from renewable energy resources by 2002 and 13.2% by 2010. The Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) founded the Renewable Energy Group (REG) which established the short term analysis group (STAG) to investigate a means of accomplishing this goal. To meet the 2010 target of 13.2%, 1,432 MW of electricity will need to be generated from renewable resources with 1,100 MW being generated from wind resources both onshore and offshore.
2009.
, or REFIT. The purpose of REFIT is to encourage development of renewable energy resources. For wind power production, the current limit to the tariff is 1,450 MW. However, applications currently being processed for grid connections exceed the limit by almost 1,500 MW for a total for nearly 3,000 MW. Since the limit is 1,450 MW, many of the applications for grid connections may not eligible for the tariff.
, located 10 km off the coast of Arklow
on the Arklow Bank in the Irish Sea
, was Ireland's first offshore wind farm. The wind farm is owned and built by GE Energy and was co-developed by Airtricity
and GE Energy. The site has 7 GE Energy 3.6 MW turbines that generate a total of 25 MW. The development of the site was originally divided into two phases with the first phase being the current installation of 7 turbines. The second phase was a partnership between Airtricity and Acciona Energy
. Acciona Energy had an option to buy the project after the facility is completed. The wind farm was planned to expand to 520 MW of power. However, in 2007, Phase 2 was cancelled.
Although the waters off the Atlantic coastline of Ireland are a better site for wind farms because of the available wind resources, sites along the eastern coastline such as Arklow were chosen because of the shallower waters, which are 20 m deep or less.
has estimated that the current cost for wind energy is 26 €c/kWh. Although this much higher than the 15 €c/kWh for fossil fuel generated energy, the SEI, Sustainable Energy Ireland, has said that “external costs” of fossil fuel generated electricity needs to be considered in the overall energy cost. These “external costs” include the harvesting, processing, use of fossil fuels; the disposal of waste, and the health problems caused by the pollution generated.
There has been some controversy surrounding the costs involved of the use wind farms to supply electricity. A report by the Commission for Energy Regulation
and Northern Ireland titled “Impact of High Levels of Wind Penetration in 2020 on the Electricity Market” states that in order for savings from wind generated power to be significant, oil would have to reach $200 per barrel. The report goes on to say that wind power will need to be subsidized as long as oil is around US$100 a barrel or less.
The potential for generating employment, however, is incredibly significant. The National Offshore Wind Association of Ireland (NOW Ireland) announced in April 2010 that 60,000 potential jobs could be created in the Irish marine, construction, engineering and service industries through the development of offshore wind energy in Irish and European waters. NOW Ireland also announced in the same month that over €50bn was due to be invested in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea in the preceding two decades.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
has an installed wind power capacity of 1,428 megawatts. It is more than three times the total of 495.2 megawatts in 2005. In 2008 alone, the rate of growth was 54.6%, amongst the highest in the world. On July 31, 2009, the output from the country's turbines peaked at 999 megawatts. At that time, 39% of Ireland’s demand for electricity was met from wind. On October 24, 2009, the output exceeded 1000 megawatts for the first time with a peak of 1064 MW. Once in April 2010, 50% of electricity demand was met from wind power. However, the wind generation capacity factor
Capacity factor
The net capacity factor or load factor of a power plant is the ratio of the actual output of a power plant over a period of time and its potential output if it had operated at full nameplate capacity the entire time...
for 2010 was approx. 23.5%, giving an annual average wind energy penetration of approx. 11% of total KWh consumed. ,
A new record in the output of Ireland’s wind farms was recorded at 6pm on Wednesday evening November 2nd 2011, it reached 1,412 megawatts. That figure is enough power to supply the equivalent of 918,000 domestic homes nationally.
Background
In the Directive 2001/77/EC, otherwise known as the RES-E Directive, the European UnionEuropean Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
stated a goal to have 22% of the total energy consumed by member states to be produced from renewable energy resources by 2010. As a result, Ireland, in a report titled "Policy Consideration for Renewable Electricity to 2010", made the commitment to have 4% of its total energy consumption come from renewable energy resources by 2002 and 13.2% by 2010. The Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) founded the Renewable Energy Group (REG) which established the short term analysis group (STAG) to investigate a means of accomplishing this goal. To meet the 2010 target of 13.2%, 1,432 MW of electricity will need to be generated from renewable resources with 1,100 MW being generated from wind resources both onshore and offshore.
Grid connection timing
Grid connection is currently awarded on a 'first come, first connect' basis through Gate 3 procedures. On examination of the Gate 3 queue, there are a number of large onshore and offshore wind projects that are down the list and will, therefore, be offered grid connection towards the end of the anticipated 18-month processing period commencing in December2009.
Planning permission
Wind farms currently are given a planning permission that expires after five years. Legislation now exists to receive a 10 year planning grant, though it is rarely granted. But, the application process for securing a connection to the grid is on average 11 years for a distribution connection (less than 20 MW) and 8 years for a transmission connection (more than 20 MW). Extensions to the planning permissions may be granted if a significant amount of work has been completed on the wind farm. However, there is no standard or minimum of accepted amount of work that needs to be completed to be granted an extension of the planning permission. This causes some developers to not begin work on a wind farm until a grid connection is guaranteed, which slows the process of fulfilling necessary development to meet the 2010 and future energy goals.REFIT
The fourth issue regarding the generation of wind power is the Renewable Energy Feed-in TariffFeed-in Tariff
A feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies. It achieves this by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers, typically based on the cost of generation of each technology...
, or REFIT. The purpose of REFIT is to encourage development of renewable energy resources. For wind power production, the current limit to the tariff is 1,450 MW. However, applications currently being processed for grid connections exceed the limit by almost 1,500 MW for a total for nearly 3,000 MW. Since the limit is 1,450 MW, many of the applications for grid connections may not eligible for the tariff.
Arklow Bank Wind Park
The Arklow Bank Wind ParkArklow Bank Wind Park
The Arklow Bank Wind Park is the first offshore wind farm in Ireland and the world's first commercial application of offshore wind turbines over 3 megawatts in size. It is located on the Arklow Bank, a shallow water sandbank in the Irish Sea, around off the coast of Arklow with an area of...
, located 10 km off the coast of Arklow
Arklow
Arklow , also known as Inbhear Dé from the Avonmore river's older name Abhainn Dé, is a historic town located in County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in the ninth century, Arklow was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 rebellion...
on the Arklow Bank in the Irish Sea
Irish Sea
The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. It is connected to the Celtic Sea in the south by St George's Channel, and to the Atlantic Ocean in the north by the North Channel. Anglesey is the largest island within the Irish Sea, followed by the Isle of Man...
, was Ireland's first offshore wind farm. The wind farm is owned and built by GE Energy and was co-developed by Airtricity
Airtricity
Airtricity was founded in 1997 in the Republic of Ireland and now is a renewable energy company owned by Scottish and Southern Energy...
and GE Energy. The site has 7 GE Energy 3.6 MW turbines that generate a total of 25 MW. The development of the site was originally divided into two phases with the first phase being the current installation of 7 turbines. The second phase was a partnership between Airtricity and Acciona Energy
Acciona Energy
Acciona Energy, a subsidiary of Acciona based in Madrid, is a Spanish company developing renewable energy projects, including small hydro, biomass, solar energy and thermal energy, and the marketing of biofuels. It also has assets in the field of co-generation and wind turbine manufacture...
. Acciona Energy had an option to buy the project after the facility is completed. The wind farm was planned to expand to 520 MW of power. However, in 2007, Phase 2 was cancelled.
Although the waters off the Atlantic coastline of Ireland are a better site for wind farms because of the available wind resources, sites along the eastern coastline such as Arklow were chosen because of the shallower waters, which are 20 m deep or less.
Economic impact
The European UnionEuropean Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
has estimated that the current cost for wind energy is 26 €c/kWh. Although this much higher than the 15 €c/kWh for fossil fuel generated energy, the SEI, Sustainable Energy Ireland, has said that “external costs” of fossil fuel generated electricity needs to be considered in the overall energy cost. These “external costs” include the harvesting, processing, use of fossil fuels; the disposal of waste, and the health problems caused by the pollution generated.
There has been some controversy surrounding the costs involved of the use wind farms to supply electricity. A report by the Commission for Energy Regulation
Commission for Energy Regulation
The Commission for Energy Regulation-An Coimisiún Rialall Fuinnimh is the independent body responsible for overseeing the liberalisation of Ireland's energy sector regulating the electricity and natural gas sectors in the Republic of Ireland. The CER was initially established as the Commission for...
and Northern Ireland titled “Impact of High Levels of Wind Penetration in 2020 on the Electricity Market” states that in order for savings from wind generated power to be significant, oil would have to reach $200 per barrel. The report goes on to say that wind power will need to be subsidized as long as oil is around US$100 a barrel or less.
The potential for generating employment, however, is incredibly significant. The National Offshore Wind Association of Ireland (NOW Ireland) announced in April 2010 that 60,000 potential jobs could be created in the Irish marine, construction, engineering and service industries through the development of offshore wind energy in Irish and European waters. NOW Ireland also announced in the same month that over €50bn was due to be invested in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea in the preceding two decades.
Completed onshore wind farms
| Wind Farm | Completed | Capacity (MW) | Turbines | Turbine Vendor !! Model !! Size (MW) !! County !! Coordinates !! Operator | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altagowlan | 2005 | 7.6 | 9 | Gamesa | G52/850 | 0.85 | Roscommon County Roscommon County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county... |
54°6′35.40"N 8°9′5.75"W | B9 |
| Anarget | 2006 | 1.2 | 2 | ENERCON | E-40 | 0.6 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
54.5907°N 8.0697°W | |
| Anarget Extension | 2007 | 0.9 | 1 | ENERCON | E-44 | 0.9 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Ballinlough/Ikerrin | 2006 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52/850 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
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| Ballinveny | 2006 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52/850 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
52°49′31.4"N 7°56′18.5"W | |
| Ballybane | 2008 | 30 | 13 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Windprospect | |
| Ballywater Ballywater Wind Farm The Ballywater Wind Farm is located between the villages of Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett, and is located directly beside Ballinoulart in County Wexford, Ireland. It commenced operation in 2005 and has a capacity of 42 MW and consists of 21 gearless E-70 E4 2 MW Enercon wind turbines. It is clearly... |
2005 | 42 | 21 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2 | Wexford County Wexford County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local... |
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| Barnesmore | 1997 | 15 | 21 | Vestas | V42/600 | 0.60 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Beal Hill/1 | 2000 | 1.65 | 1 | Vestas | V66 | 1.65 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
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| Beal Hill/2 | 2003 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52/850 | 0.85 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
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| Beallough | 2008 | 1.7 | 2 | Vestas | V52/850 | 0.85 | Waterford County Waterford *Abbeyside, Affane, Aglish, Annestown, An Rinn, Ardmore*Ballinacourty, Ballinameela, Ballinamult, Ballinroad, Ballybeg, Ballybricken, Ballyduff Lower, Ballyduff Upper, Ballydurn, Ballygunner, Ballylaneen, Ballymacarbry, Ballymacart, Ballynaneashagh, Ballysaggart, Ballytruckle, Bilberry, Bunmahon,... |
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| Beam Hill | 2008 | 14 | 8 | Vestas | V66 | 1.75 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Beenageeha | 2000 | 3.96 | 6 | Vestas | V47/660 | 0.66 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
B9 | |
| Bellacorick | 1992 | 6.45 | 21 | Nordtank | NTK300 | 0.3 | Mayo County Mayo County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552... |
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| Bindoo Bindoo wind farm Bindoo wind farm is a wind farm located close to Cootehill, Cavan, Ireland and erected in 2007. The farm was built and is run by Airtricity. The wind farm has 32 GE 1.5 MW Wind Turbines with a 65 metre hub height and 70 metre rotor diameter giving a total capacity of 48 megawatts... |
2007 | 48 | 32 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Cavan County Cavan County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Blackbanks/1 | 2001 | 3.4 | 4 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Leitrim County Leitrim County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county... |
ESBI | |
| Blackbanks/2 | 2005 | 6.8 | 8 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Leitrim County Leitrim County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county... |
ESBI | |
| Boggeragh | 2009 | 57 | 19 | Vestas | V90 | 3 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Booltiagh | 2005 | 19.5 | 13 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Clare County Clare -History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones... |
SWS | |
| Burtonport | 2003 | 0.66 | 1 | Vestas | V47 | 0.66 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Caranne Hill | 2008 | 3.4 | 4 | Gamesa | G52 | 0.85 | Sligo | ESBI | |
| Cark | 1997 | 15 | 25 | NEG Micon | NM43 | 0.6 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Carnsore | 2002 | 11.9 | 14 | Vestas | V52/850 | 0.85 | Wexford County Wexford County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local... |
ESBI | |
| Carrigh | 2006 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
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| Clahane | 2008 | 40 | 20 | ENERCON | E70 | 2 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Coomacheo | 2008 | 41.4 | 18 | Siemens | 2.3VS | 2.3 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Coomatallin | 2005 | 6 | 4 | GE | 1.5SE | 1.5 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Cornacahan | 2007 | 2.7 | 3 | ENERCON | E-44 | 0.9 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Corneen | 2001 | 3 | 2 | GE | 1.5S | 1.5 | Cavan County Cavan County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Corrie Mt. | 1997 | 4.8 | 8 | Vestas | V42 | 0.6 | Leitrim County Leitrim County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Eco Wind Power | |
| Crockahenny | 1998 | 5 | 10 | ENERCON | E-40 | 0.5 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
ESBI | |
| Cronalaght 1&2 | 1997 | 4.8 | 8 | Vestas | V39 | 0.6 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Cronelea | 2007 | 6.9 | 3 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Wexford County Wexford County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local... |
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| Cronelea Upper | 2005 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Wicklow County Wicklow County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Cuillalea/Kiltmagh | 2004 | 3.4 | 4 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Mayo County Mayo County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552... |
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| Culliagh | 2000 | 12 | 18 | Vestas | V47/660 | 0.66 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Curragh | 2009 | 18 | 8 | Siemens | 2.3VS | 2.3 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Curraghgraigue | 2004 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
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| Derrybrien | 2006 | 60 | 70 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Galway County Galway County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... |
ESBI | |
| Dromada | 2009 | 28.5 | 19 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Limerick County Limerick It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Drumlough | 1997 | 4.8 | 8 | Windmaster | 0.6 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | ||
| Drybridge/Dunmore | 2006 | 1.7 | 2 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Louth County Louth County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Dundalk IT | 2005 | 0.85 | 1 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Louth County Louth County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county... |
DIT | |
| Flughland | 2009 | 9.2 | 4 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SWS | |
| Gartnaneane | 2004 | 15 | 10 | GE | 1.5S | 1.5 | Cavan County Cavan County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Geevagh | 2006 | 5 | 6 | Gamesa | G52 | 0.85 | Sligo | B9 | |
| Glackmore | 2008 | 2.3 | 1 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Gneeves | 2005 | 9.35 | 11 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SWS | |
| Greenoge | 2005 | 5.2 | 4 | Nordex | N60 | 1.3 | Carlow County Carlow County Carlow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Carlow, which lies on the River Barrow. Carlow County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Greenoge Windfarm Ltd | |
| Inverin 1&2 | 1999 | 3.96 | 4 | Vestas | V47 | 0.66 | Galway County Galway County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... |
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| Kealkill | 2006 | 8.5 | 10 | Gamesa | V52 | 0.85 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Kilgarvan | 2006 | 45 | 15 | Vestas | V90 | 3 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
51°56′4.69"N 9°19′33.67"W | SWS |
| Kilgarvan Ext | 2009 | 30 | 13 | Nordex | N90 | 2.3 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
SWS | |
| Killybegs | 2007 | 13.8 | 6 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Kilronan | 1998 | 5 | 10 | Vestas | V39 | 0.5 | Roscommon County Roscommon County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Kilvinane | 2006 | 4.5 | 3 | Gamesa | G850 | 0.85 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Kingsmountain | 2003 | 25 | 10 | Nordex | N80 | 2.5 | Sligo | SSE Renewables | |
| Knockastanna | 2009 | 6 | 4 | GE | 1.5 | 1.5 | Limerick County Limerick It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Knockawarriga | 2008 | 22.5 | 9 | Nordex | N90 | 2.5 | Limerick County Limerick It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC... |
SWS | |
| Lackan | 2006 | 6.9 | 3 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Sligo | ||
| Lahanaght Hill | 2006 | 4.25 | 5 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Largan Hill | 2000 | 5.9 | 9 | Vestas | V47 | 0.66 | Roscommon County Roscommon County Roscommon is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the town of Roscommon. Roscommon County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Lisheen | 2009 | 54 | 18 | Vestas | V90 | 3 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
SWS | |
| Loughderryduff | 2008 | 7.65 | 9 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Lurganboy | 2008 | 5.0 | 6 | ENERCON | E-44 | 0.9 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Meenachullalan | 2008 | 13.8 | 6 | ENERCON | E70 | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Meenadreen | 2003 | 3.4 | 4 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Meenanilta | 2004 | 2.55 | 3 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Meentycat Meentycat wind farm Meentycat wind farm is a wind farm located close to Ballybofey, Donegal, Ireland and erected in 2004. The farm was built and is run by Airtricity.-Turbines:... |
2005 | 72 | 38 | Siemens | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | ||
| Midas | 2007 | 32.24 | 23 | Vestas | V90 and V52 | 3 and 0.85 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Mienvee(I and II) | 2004 | 1.7 | 1 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
SWS | |
| Milane Hill | 2000 | 5.94 | 9 | Vestas | V47 | 0.66 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Moanmore | 2006 | 14 | 7 | ENERCON | E-70 E4 | 2 | Clare County Clare -History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones... |
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| Moneenatieve | 2005 | 4.25 | 2 | Gamesa | G52 | 0.85 | Leitrim County Leitrim County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Mount Eagle 2 | 2008 | 1.7 | 2 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
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| Mountain Lodge | 2008 | 34.5 | 23 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Cavan County Cavan County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
ESBI | |
| Mountain Lodge II | 2009 | 3 | 2 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Cavan County Cavan County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Cavan. Cavan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
ESBI | |
| Mullananalt | 2008 | 7.5 | 5 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Monaghan County Monaghan County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Munignaminnane | 2008 | 13.8 | 18 | ENERCON | E-44 and E-48 | 0.9 and 0.8 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
Saorgus | |
| Raheen Barr | 2003 | 18.7 | 22 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Mayo County Mayo County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552... |
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| Rahora | 2008 | 4 | 5 | ENERCON | E-48 | 0.8 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Richfield | 2006 | 27 | 18 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Wexford County Wexford County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Shannagh | 2009 | 2.55 | 3 | ENERCON | E-44 | 0.9 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Sheeragh | 2008 | 4.6 | 2 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2.3 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Skehanagh | 2006 | 4.25 | 5 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
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| Snugborough | 2003 | 13.5 | 9 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Louth County Louth County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Sonnagh Old | 2004 | 7.65 | 9 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Galway County Galway County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... |
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| Sorne Hill Sorne Hill wind farm The Sorne Hill Wind Farm is a wind farm located in Buncrana, Inishowen Donegal Ireland and erected in 2006. The farm is run by Tapbury Management Limited.-Turbines:... |
2006 | 32 | 16 | ENERCON | E-70 | 2 | Donegal County Donegal County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Bord Gais | |
| Spion Kop | 1997 | 1.2 | 2 | Vestas | V42 | 0.6 | Leitrim County Leitrim County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county... |
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| Taurbeg | 2006 | 25.3 | 11 | Siemens | SWT-2.3 | 2.3 | Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
B9 | |
| Tournafulla | 2007 | 27 | 18 | GE | 1.5s | 1.5 | Limerick County Limerick It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC... |
SSE Renewables | |
| Tursillagh/1 | 2000 | 15.8 | 23 | Vestas | V47 | 0.66 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
Saorgus | |
| Tursillagh/2 | 2004 | 6.8 | 23 | Vestas | V52 | 0.85 | Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
Saorgus |
List of proposed or under construction wind farms
| Wind Farm | Scheduled | Capacity (MW) | Turbines | Type | Operator | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codling | Unknown | 1100 | 220 | Unknown | Codling Wind Farm | County Wicklow County Wicklow County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Offshore |
| Carriganima | 2011 Summer | 13.8 | 12 | Enercon E70/2300 | Wind Prospect | County Cork County Cork County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Onshore |
| Dublin Array | 2015 | 364 | 145 | unknown | Saorgus | County Dublin County Dublin County Dublin is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Dublin Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the city of Dublin which is the capital of Ireland. County Dublin was one of the first of the parts of Ireland to be shired by King John of England following the... |
Offshore |
| Glenmore | 2009 Summer | 30 | 10 | VESTAS V90 | Clare Winds Ltd | County Clare County Clare -History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones... |
Onshore |
| Glenough | 2010 Winter | 32.5 | 13 | NORDEX N80/N90 | ABO Wind | County Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
Onshore |
| Gortahile | 2010 Autumn | 20 | 8 | NORDEX N90 | ABO Wind | County Laois County Laois County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council... |
Onshore |
| Grouse Lodge | 2011 Summer | 20 | 8 | NORDEX N90 | ESBI | County Tipperary County Tipperary County Tipperary is a county of Ireland. It is located in the province of Munster and is named after the town of Tipperary. The area of the county does not have a single local authority; local government is split between two authorities. In North Tipperary, part of the Mid-West Region, local... |
Onshore |
| Moneypoint | Unknown | 22.5 | 9 | Unknown | Hibernian Windpower | County Clare County Clare -History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones... |
Onshore |
| Mount Callan Mount Callan Slievecallan is a mountain 391 metres high. It is the third highest mountain in County Clare, Ireland.The mountain sits more or less in the centre of the triangle formed by the villages of Miltown Malbay, Inagh and Connolly, in the west of County Clare. The regional road R474 , passes on the... |
Unknown | 90 | 30 | 3MW | West Clare Renewable Energy | County Clare County Clare -History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones... |
Onshore |
| Oriel | 2013 | 330 | 55 | Unknown | Oriel Windfarm Ltd | County Louth County Louth County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county... |
Offshore |
| Pallas | 2008 December | 40 | 20 | Enercon E-70 2MW | Pallas Wind Farms Ltd | County Kerry County Kerry Kerry means the "people of Ciar" which was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in part of the present county. The legendary founder of the tribe was Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich. In Old Irish "Ciar" meant black or dark brown, and the word continues in use in modern Irish as an adjective... |
Onshore |
| Skerd Rocks | Unknown | 100 | 20 | 5MW | FST | County Galway County Galway County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county... |
Offshore |
See also
- List of wind farms
- Renewable energyRenewable energyRenewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable . About 16% of global final energy consumption comes from renewables, with 10% coming from traditional biomass, which is mainly used for heating, and 3.4% from...
- WindWindWind is the flow of gases on a large scale. On Earth, wind consists of the bulk movement of air. In outer space, solar wind is the movement of gases or charged particles from the sun through space, while planetary wind is the outgassing of light chemical elements from a planet's atmosphere into space...
- Wind farmWind farmA wind farm is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electric power. A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines, and cover an extended area of hundreds of square miles, but the land between the turbines may be used for agricultural or other...
- Wind powerWind powerWind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, windpumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships....
- Wind turbineWind turbineA wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy. If the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity, the device may be called a wind generator or wind charger. If the mechanical energy is used to drive machinery, such as for grinding grain or...
- WindmillWindmillA windmill is a machine which converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades. Originally windmills were developed for milling grain for food production. In the course of history the windmill was adapted to many other industrial uses. An important...
- World energy resources and consumptionWorld energy resources and consumption]World energy consumption in 2010: over 5% growthEnergy markets have combined crisis recovery and strong industry dynamism. Energy consumption in the G20 soared by more than 5% in 2010, after the slight decrease of 2009. This strong increase is the result of two converging trends...
External links
- www.sei.ie - Sustainable Energy Ireland, Ireland's national energy agency.
- www.iwea.ie - Irish Wind Energy Association
- Arklow Bank Wind Park, GE Brochure (PDF)
- Sustainable Energy Ireland's report on policies for Renewable Energy programs (PDF)