Record day for wind energy

A RECORD 1,120 megawatts of Ireland’s electricity needs were generated by wind on April 5, according to the Irish Wind Energy Association.

The renewable energy sector in Ireland reached the new high as it approaches Global Wind Day on June 15 next, with the new record set for the amount of electricity generated by wind turbines across the country in any one day.

Announcing details of open days at seven Irish wind farms from June 12 to 19 next in the run-up to global wind-day, the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) revealed that April 5 last smashed the record for the amount of energy from turbines, with 1,120 MW of electricity being generated, enough to power 672,000 homes.

The largest electricity generating plant in the country is the coal burning ESB facility at Moneypoint in Co Clare, which can generate 850MW of electricity for the national grid.

Wind has supplied more than 50% of Ireland’s electricity needs for short periods in recent months.

IWEA chief executive Dr Michael Walsh said: “A lot needs to happen in any one day for that record to be broke, with wind strength essential of course. And as we build towards providing 40% of Ireland’s electricity from this source by 2020, we expect to break this record over and over again.

“The open days at wind farms around the country in the run-up to Global Wind Day will provide an opportunity for the public to experience turbines up close and get to know more about the industry.

“Global Wind Day in 2009 was such a success with more than 5,000 people attending events across the country, and we are expecting even bigger crowds this year,” he said.