Northern Ireland wind energy company, Simple Power has launched seven new wind turbines of 250 kW each in Counties Tyrone, Antrim, Down and Londonderry recently.
The total number of turbines erected by the company over the past four months is nine, marking a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy portfolio.
The firm has successfully completed the construction and commissioning of these seven turbines. These turbines demonstrate growth, not only for Simple Power, but also for the wind industry in Northern Ireland, said, Philip Rainey, CEO, Simple Power.
Despite many challenges, the outlook continues to be promising for the renewables sector. Wind power has the potential to be a significant economic significance for this country, he added.
The company’s work on farms across Northern Ireland also demonstrates the benefits of wind energy to the rural economy, as wind turbines enable farmers to turn their land into a sustainable source of income, explained Rainey.
Recently, the Enterprise, Trade and Development Minister Arlene Foster has proposed that ROC levels, incentives for small scale onshore wind, should be maintained until 2017.
This is a favourable decision providing sufficient time for investment along with a credible level of generating capacity.
A research by PWC has revealed that if Northern Ireland’s 40percent renewable energy target was to be met with 250kW sized turbines, it could be worth at least £10 million per annum to landowners and farmers across Northern Ireland over a 20-year period.
Simple Power has started power supply from the seven new turbines with electricity generated being fed back into the Northern Ireland grid which is purchased by Power NI.
Simple Power supports the farming community in Northern Ireland and has partnerships with Rural Support, a charity helping farming and rural communities, the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster, Farm Safety Partnership and the annual Farming Life Awards.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com