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Ireland’s largest wind farm opens in Donegal

The largest windfarm in Ireland officially opened at Meenadreen, Co Donegal, following a €145m investment by Energia.

The 95-megawatt wind farm has 38 turbines standing 115m high with 90m rotor diameter.

Renewable energy firm Energia developed the €145m project over two years and power from Meenadreen will be used to supply electricity to homes and SMEs all over Ireland.

Energia is already well established as the most competitive dual fuel (electricity and gas) provider in Ireland’s home energy market.

Energia has emerged as one of the country’s leading providers of sustainable green energy, with 25% of all wind generated electricity in Ireland being provided through Energia.

Energia has invested over €500m in wind farms since 2008. Its latest windfarm is among the most technologically advanced generating facilities in the world with 38 turbines producing 95 Megawatts (MW) of electricity. Each turbine stands 115 metres high with a rotor diameter of 90 metres generating power from strong wind pathways in the region.

As Energia’s newest windfarm, Meenadreen alone can power up to 50,000 homes using wind energy which will help reduce Ireland’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes each year.

The new windfarm was formally opened by Ian Thom, Group Chief Executive of Energia’s parent company Viridian Group and Peter Bailie, Managing Director of Energia Renewables, together with the Mayor of Donegal Town, Patricia Callaghan.

Speaking at the recent official opening, Managing Director of Energia Renewables, Peter Baillie said, “This is an internationally prestigious development which is contributing to economic growth and the wellbeing of communities across the island of Ireland through the clean and efficient production of renewable energy.”

Adding, “we look forward to our continuing partnership with our neighbouring communities through the Meenadreen Community Fund. We will also be a continuing contributor of local authority rates for the lifespan of the windfarm which will be a minimum of 25 years.”

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