Menu
17/06/2014
NI Wind Farm To Be Scaled Back
Northern Ireland's first ever wind farm is to be scaled back to avoid key fishing grounds, according to First Flight Wind, the company behind the project.
The group has been carrying out stakeholder engagement as well as survey and zone assessment work to establish the location and design of the potential offshore wind farm off the County Down coast.
First Flight Wind has determined that a project of 300 – 400 MW is "best able to minimise potential impacts on some existing activities including shipping and commercial fisheries."
Michael Harper from First Flight Wind commented: "It has always been our intention to develop an offshore project that works alongside other marine users such as shipping and fishing. Throughout the process we are seeking to take into account the concerns of local stakeholders as we consider where to locate the project and how to design it.”
"As a result we have identified a central section of the larger zone where we shall now focus our attention and we have determined that the preferred target capacity for delivery by 2020 to be 300-400 MW. Generating potentially more than 10% of Northern Ireland’s electricity requirements, this capacity would help the Executive to reach its 2020 renewable electricity target and create significant economic opportunities for local companies."
Mr Harper continued: "Our engagement with key shipping stakeholders has highlighted concerns about placing a project close to the Warrenpoint-Heysham route, which we will now seek to avoid. In addition, we recognise that coast of Co. Down hosts some very important Nephrops fisheries. We are therefore proposing to limit where possible, encroachment on such key Nephrops fishing grounds. These issues along with all the other issues we have identified through the recent offshore scoping consultation will be addressed fully within our environmental impact assessment."
(IT/CD)
The group has been carrying out stakeholder engagement as well as survey and zone assessment work to establish the location and design of the potential offshore wind farm off the County Down coast.
First Flight Wind has determined that a project of 300 – 400 MW is "best able to minimise potential impacts on some existing activities including shipping and commercial fisheries."
Michael Harper from First Flight Wind commented: "It has always been our intention to develop an offshore project that works alongside other marine users such as shipping and fishing. Throughout the process we are seeking to take into account the concerns of local stakeholders as we consider where to locate the project and how to design it.”
"As a result we have identified a central section of the larger zone where we shall now focus our attention and we have determined that the preferred target capacity for delivery by 2020 to be 300-400 MW. Generating potentially more than 10% of Northern Ireland’s electricity requirements, this capacity would help the Executive to reach its 2020 renewable electricity target and create significant economic opportunities for local companies."
Mr Harper continued: "Our engagement with key shipping stakeholders has highlighted concerns about placing a project close to the Warrenpoint-Heysham route, which we will now seek to avoid. In addition, we recognise that coast of Co. Down hosts some very important Nephrops fisheries. We are therefore proposing to limit where possible, encroachment on such key Nephrops fishing grounds. These issues along with all the other issues we have identified through the recent offshore scoping consultation will be addressed fully within our environmental impact assessment."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
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.
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.
25 July 2012
People Living Near Wind Farms 'Need More Control'
People living near wind farms should get more control over them to benefit more, a report has said. The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health said the creation of community turbines should be examined so people living nearby can get more control over projects. There are 28 onshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
People Living Near Wind Farms 'Need More Control'
People living near wind farms should get more control over them to benefit more, a report has said. The Chartered Institute for Environmental Health said the creation of community turbines should be examined so people living nearby can get more control over projects. There are 28 onshore wind farms in Northern Ireland.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered sleet and snow showers will turn increasingly heavy and more frequent in the afternoon across the north. Largely dry with sunny spells in the south, but showers spreading here towards the end of the day. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
