ESB is to begin construction this week on a new wind farm in County Derry. The project, Curryfree wind farm, is located between Dunamanagh and new buildings and work are due to be completed by August 2011. When completed it will generate enough renewable energy to power 8,000 homes.
The wind farm, 7km South of Derry city, was developed by RES, one of the leading renewable energy companies in the world. RES will also build the project, on behalf of ESB. Curryfree Wind Farm will consist of six wind turbines, each with a height to tip of 100 metres and rotor diameter of 80 metres.
The main civil works will be undertaken by a local contractor and the project is a welcome boost to the economy in the region.
“The construction of this wind farm at Curryfree indicates ESB’s commitment to investment in renewables and is another step in transforming ESB into a carbon neutral company. Curryfree wind farm will not only help ESB reach its targets, its construction will also help the local economy,” says Joe O’Mahony, head of ESB Wind Development Ireland & GB.
In a separate development, ESB also confirmed that its 20 megawatt Hunters Hill wind farm close to Fivemiletown in County Tyrone is now generating electricity to meet the needs of more than 11,000 homes. Located ten kilometres from Omagh, the site was purchased by ESB from RES in February 2009.
It comprises 8 Nordex N80 2.5 MW turbines and local contractors were employed for the necessary civil and electrical works. ESB took over the site from RES in July.