NI wind farm opens

Turbines were erected and ready for use within five weeks

The biggest wind farm in the island of Ireland has officially opened in County Londonderry.

The 20-turbine facility at Altahullion near Dungiven will generate enough electricity for 20,000 homes.

It will increase the production of renewable energy in Northern Ireland by 80%.

Belfast-based Energia will supply wind-generated electricity to small businesses, two main Belfast hospitals, five local councils and all five education and library boards in Northern Ireland.

The company has signed a £22m contract for 15 years with wind farm developers B9 Energy and Renewable Energy Services which carried out the construction work.

The developers revealed that the Danish-made turbines were erected and ready for use within a period of five weeks.

Renewable

Speaking on Monday, Northern Ireland Office minister responsible for enterprise, trade and investment, Ian Pearson, said his department planned that 12.5% of the province's energy needs would be met from renewable sources by 2012.

Mr Pearson said he planned to introduce legislation to ensure the planned amount of electricity was generated from renewable sources by the deadline as soon after April 2004 as possible.

He said the government was committed to developing a "truly sustainable energy system" for Northern Ireland.

However, he emphasised that wind farms should be in "sensible locations that are sensitive to the needs of the local and wider community".

Mike Harper, of Larne-based B9 Energy, said the wind farm was built with a mind to the upcoming Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation.

"The project signals the coming of age of wind energy as a mainstream, reliable and cost-effective source of energy for Northern Ireland," he said.

A planned wind farm of up to 85 turbines off the coast of Portstewart has faced widespread opposition.

Critics of the plan, including local councils in Northern Ireland and in County Donegal, have claimed the wind farm would be a blot on the land and seascape and would damage tourism.