Shannagh Wind Farm, near Kilcar, will be open to the public on Sunday 14th June as part of the celebrations to mark Global Wind Day 2015. The wind farm, which has the capacity to power 1,700 homes, will welcome visitors who wish to learn more about the benefits of wind energy both locally and nationally.
Global Wind Day occurs annually, and this year will be marked by a number of events at local wind farms across the country. The day will be celebrated across Europe and the globe, where wind farms are in operation.
According to Kenneth Matthews CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), “Global Wind Day has become an ideal opportunity for those wishing to discover more about the power and possibilities of wind in Ireland to experience the industry at first hand. Wind energy is Ireland’s fastest growing energy source but also our cleanest, most cost effective and most abundant source of indigenous renewable energy.”
Speaking in advance of the open day, Philomena Kenealy, manager at Irish wind energy developer Ecopower, which operates the wind farm which is opening to the public as part of Global Wind Day said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors to the wind farms to mark Global Wind day. We’re very proud of our role in producing clean renewable energy for Ireland and are delighted to have the opportunity to meet with the local community and those interested in the windfarms to show them how the power of the wind is harnessed and hopefully the visitors will enjoy the experience of being on a windfarm.”
Events on the day will include a “Walk and Talk” where guided tours will be given to visitors by the wind farm operators.
Wind capacity in Ireland has doubled over the last five years and last year accounted for 19% of electricity generated in 2014, powering over 1.5 million households per year and reducing Ireland’s dependency on foreign energy which currently costs us €6 billion per year. To the start of June, wind energy has met 25% of Ireland’s electricity demand. There are now over 3,400 people employed in the industry in Ireland.
Global Wind day is coordinated in Ireland by IWEA and supported by the European Wind Energy Association and the Global Wind Energy Council. For more information see www.iwea.com
Photo for illustrative purposes only.
(Source – Donegal Now – 10/06/2015)