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.

The Wind Map provides average wind speed values at three different heights above ground level – 30m 75m and 100m.

The values can be used as an indication of the potential for erecting a viable wind turbine on the site although these initial values should be confirmed by further on-site measurement of actual wind speeds.

Announcing the availability of the Wind Map on the internet, Wilfie Hamilton, Deputy Secretary in Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) said: “The Wind Map is an extremely useful tool for windfarm developers, for individual businesses and indeed for anyone interested in assessing the wind potential in a specified location in Northern Ireland.

"Harnessing energy from renewable sources is increasingly important. The map is user-friendly way of making an initial assessment of the potential of wind as an energy source throughout Northern Ireland. "

Mr Hamilton was speaking at the Renewable Energy stand hosted jointly by DETI, DARD and Action Renewables as part of the 'NI Departments Working for You' exhibition in the Balmoral Hall.

Anyone who doesn’t have the opportunity to use the map at the Show can access it on www.actionrenewables.org

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