25/11/2011
Farrans Bag Renewable Energy Contract
The sea and the air around NI are to be harnessed to generate much-needed power with Stormont Ministers this week announcing a £50m pound investment in renewable energy.
Around 150 people will win jobs in the construction phase after the NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy officially announced Belfast Harbour's plans to develop the Offshore Wind Logistics Terminal, for DONG Energy.
The letter of intent, signed by the partners in February 2011, has now been finalised and construction work to develop the 450-metre quay and 50-acre logistics centre has been awarded to the Northern Ireland based company Farrans (Construction) Ltd.
The development is the first of its kind in the UK and the largest ever development in Belfast Harbour's history.
The tailor-made facility will be used by DONG Energy to pre-assemble offshore wind turbines and their foundations for installation at wind farms situated in the Irish Sea.
The first project will be to service West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm - a 50/50 joint venture between DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables.
Ulster Unionist Executive Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This key investment project will see the continued regeneration of Belfast's docks and harbour area and provides the basis for Northern Ireland to benefit from a growing national and international renewables market.
"The project will also deliver a welcome boost to the construction industry with up to 150 employed in the building of this facility."
DUP Minister Arlene Foster said: "Belfast's Harbour area is well placed to become a major centre in the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector and over the next 20 years stands to benefit from the significant business opportunities that have been identified.
"This investment clearly demonstrates DONG Energy's confidence in our local capabilities and underlines Northern Ireland's potential to become a leading player in this sector.
"In addition, it is expected that The Crown Estate will shortly seek Expressions of Interest for the development of offshore wind and tidal projects in Northern Ireland waters - another key opportunity for Northern Ireland companies," she added.
DONG Energy is a world leader in offshore wind farms and has built five of the world's ten largest offshore wind farms.
(BMcC/GK)
Around 150 people will win jobs in the construction phase after the NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy officially announced Belfast Harbour's plans to develop the Offshore Wind Logistics Terminal, for DONG Energy.
The letter of intent, signed by the partners in February 2011, has now been finalised and construction work to develop the 450-metre quay and 50-acre logistics centre has been awarded to the Northern Ireland based company Farrans (Construction) Ltd.
The development is the first of its kind in the UK and the largest ever development in Belfast Harbour's history.
The tailor-made facility will be used by DONG Energy to pre-assemble offshore wind turbines and their foundations for installation at wind farms situated in the Irish Sea.
The first project will be to service West of Duddon Sands offshore wind farm - a 50/50 joint venture between DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables.
Ulster Unionist Executive Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This key investment project will see the continued regeneration of Belfast's docks and harbour area and provides the basis for Northern Ireland to benefit from a growing national and international renewables market.
"The project will also deliver a welcome boost to the construction industry with up to 150 employed in the building of this facility."
DUP Minister Arlene Foster said: "Belfast's Harbour area is well placed to become a major centre in the rapidly expanding offshore wind sector and over the next 20 years stands to benefit from the significant business opportunities that have been identified.
"This investment clearly demonstrates DONG Energy's confidence in our local capabilities and underlines Northern Ireland's potential to become a leading player in this sector.
"In addition, it is expected that The Crown Estate will shortly seek Expressions of Interest for the development of offshore wind and tidal projects in Northern Ireland waters - another key opportunity for Northern Ireland companies," she added.
DONG Energy is a world leader in offshore wind farms and has built five of the world's ten largest offshore wind farms.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2014
Plans Scrapped For NI Offshore Wind Farm
Plans for the development of an offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland have been pulled. The developers, First Flight Wind, decided to cease the plans, after they felt the project could not be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules.
Plans Scrapped For NI Offshore Wind Farm
Plans for the development of an offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland have been pulled. The developers, First Flight Wind, decided to cease the plans, after they felt the project could not be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules.
14 May 2004
Interactive wind map demonstrates NI renewable energy capability
A new web-based interactive map, which allows users to determine average wind speeds in any part of Northern Ireland, has been launched at the Balmoral Show. The map was developed as part of work to assess the extent of Northern Ireland’s natural renewable energy potential.
Interactive wind map demonstrates NI renewable energy capability
A new web-based interactive map, which allows users to determine average wind speeds in any part of Northern Ireland, has been launched at the Balmoral Show. The map was developed as part of work to assess the extent of Northern Ireland’s natural renewable energy potential.
29 July 2016
Huge Wind Turbines Arrive In Belfast
Huge wind turbine blades, the equivalent length of nine double decker London buses, have arrived at Belfast Harbour. The 80 metre long blades are to be used to develop an offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea. Manufactured by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind the 32 turbines will be assembled at the harbour.
Huge Wind Turbines Arrive In Belfast
Huge wind turbine blades, the equivalent length of nine double decker London buses, have arrived at Belfast Harbour. The 80 metre long blades are to be used to develop an offshore wind farm in the Irish Sea. Manufactured by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind the 32 turbines will be assembled at the harbour.
16 January 2023
Offshore Wind Leasing To Be Developed In NI
A Statement of Intent has been issued by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and The Crown Estate (TCE) to express their commitment to establishing offshore wind leasing for Northern Ireland.
Offshore Wind Leasing To Be Developed In NI
A Statement of Intent has been issued by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and The Crown Estate (TCE) to express their commitment to establishing offshore wind leasing for Northern Ireland.
25 June 2002
Offshore wind farm project gets green light
A wind farm, which could supply electricity to nearly a third of all homes in Northern Ireland moved a step closer today.
Offshore wind farm project gets green light
A wind farm, which could supply electricity to nearly a third of all homes in Northern Ireland moved a step closer today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a mainly dry and bright morning cloud will increase as the wind strengthens from early afternoon with showers spreading east later. The strong afternoon wind will reach gale to severe gale force along the coasts. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat, a windy night. Minimum temperature 0 °C.