Ireland’s largest ever windfarm was officially opened today following a €145m investment by Energia at Meenadreen in south Donegal.
Technological advancements at the site will see drones being used to inspect the 38 turbines, which will power up to 50,000 homes a year using wind energy.
The new windfarm was formally opened by Ian Thom, Group Chief Executive of Energia’s parent company Viridian Group and Peter Bailie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables, together with the Mayor of Donegal Town, Patricia Callaghan.
The Mayor of Donegal Town, Patricia Callaghan, Peter Baillie, managing director, Energia Renewables and Ian Thom, Group CEO, Viridian Group. Photo Lorcan Doherty Photography
The windfarm was built following a €145m investment by Energia to supply green electricity to homes and SMEs all over Ireland. The company is now also one of the country’s leading providers of sustainable green energy and 25% of all wind generated electricity in Ireland is provided through Energia.
Energia’s new Meenadreen windfarm is among the most technologically advanced generating facilities in the world with 38 turbines producing 95 Megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Each turbine stands 115 metres high with a rotor diameter of 90 metres generating power from strong wind pathways in the area. As Energia’s newest windfarm, Meenadreen alone can power up to 50,000 homes using wind energy which will reduce Ireland’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes each year.
Energia has also successfully completed a pilot project for autonomous drone inspections through predetermined flight paths around the turbines. The new drone capability has the potential to automatically identify snags or defects and helps to enhance overall efficiency and safety on site.
Over 250 children from Donegal primary schools will tour the new facility marking Global Wind Day 2017.
Energia also announced the funding of €95,000 for a third phase of its Meenadreen Community Fund, which has already invested €45,000 to date in local community projects.
Energia expressed its strong appreciation to the local community for their support and co-operation with the company as it set about developing the new windfarm.
Peter Baillie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables said, “This is an internationally prestigious development which is contributing to economic growth and the wellbeing of communities across the island of Ireland through the clean and efficient production of renewable energy.
“We look forward to our continuing partnership with our neighbouring communities through the Meenadreen Community Fund. We will also be a continuing contributor of local authority rates for the lifespan of the windfarm which will be a minimum of 25 years.”
