Wind Energy in Ireland

  1. How many Wind Farms are there in Ireland?
  2. I want to visit a wind farm, where is the nearest one to me?
  3. What is the current installed wind capacity of Ireland?
  4. What can I do to help wind energy in Ireland?
  5. What is a Wind Farm comprised of?

  1. How many Wind Farms are there in Ireland?

    At present* there are 124 wind farms on-line and operational, in 23 counties on the island of Ireland

    *Figures correct as on 22/02/10

  2. I want to visit a wind farm, where is the nearest one to me?

    With such a large number of wind farms in operation in Ireland it is highly likely that there is a wind farm located quite close to your community, either in or adjacent to your own county.

    For a full list of wind farms in Ireland, see our Wind Farms by County page, here.

    If you do decide to visit a wind farm but don't quite know how to go about it you can also contact us at IWEA and we can help put you in contact with wind farm operators in your area. You can also find out about projects which are planned, approved or under construction in your area from your local planning office

  3. What is the current installed wind capacity of Ireland?

    The current* grid connected and operational installed wind capacity on the island of Ireland is 1570.10 Megawatts (MW) which will on average generate 4,263,763 Megawatt hours (MWh) in a year given a 31% load**or capacity factor.

    Sustainable Energy Ireland's 2008 Report, "Energy in the Residential Sector" report states that the average household consumed 5.591 MWh in 2006.page 27 If we assume that electricity consumption growth is roughly similar as previous years (around 3%) this means that in 2010, wind energy accounts for the electricity needs of over 677,000 domestic households in Ireland.

    *Figures correct on 22/02/10.
    ** A 31% load factor or capacity factor means that we assume that the actual output or electricity generation over the year from wind generation is 31% of its maximum capacity.

  4. What can I do to help wind energy in Ireland?

    There are many ways to positively support both wind energy as a renewable resource, and the Irish wind industry. One of the simplest ways is to become a member of the IWEA and lend your support to the organisation. Your contribution will help the IWEA push and promote the wind agenda in Ireland.

    If your business or home is currently supplied by non-renewable energy, investigate the possibility of switching to a renewable wind energy provider. This has the effect of supporting current wind energy suppliers and encourages both the expansion of current wind enterprises and entry of new ones.

    One of the most helpful things you can do is to help win the debate on wind energy. Get involved and respond to wind energy debates  in local and national papers. Participate in radio phone-in programmes and wherever else the opportunity arises. Your contribution is extremely valuable and will help promote positive attitudes and perceptions about wind energy.

  5. What is a Wind Farm comprised of?

    A wind farm is comprised of a group of wind turbines located relatively in the same area which are then interconnected with a medium voltage power collection system together with a communications network. A substation is also located on site. At the substation, this medium-voltage electrical current is increased in voltage with a transformer for connection to the higher voltage transmission system.