NI Water plans three wind farms

NI Water intends to open wind farms at three sites

The company responsible for supplying Northern Ireland's water and sewerage infrastructure intends to move into the renewable energy market.

Northern Ireland Water has asked for companies interested in building and operating wind farms at three sites in NI to submit a tender by 1 December.

The proposed sites are at Lough Mourne and Woodburn North reservoirs, on the outskirts of Carrickfergus,

The third is at Lough Bradan, close to Drumquin in County Tyrone.

The invitation to tender, which is posted on NI Water's website, says that the company "wishes to promote development of areas of its asset base for use in construction and operation of wind farms".

Capacity

"Northern Ireland Water would wish to receive an annual income from the successful developer on terms to be agreed during the tender process," it said.

In a statement, the company said it had produced a pre-qualification questionnaire to help it evaluate the suitability of applicants.

"At this stage, NI Water is only considering the feasibility of wind power and is not proceeding with the development of any specific wind power projects," the company said.

The size of the wind farms has not yet been decided, but Northern Ireland Water said it would depend on the natural capacity of the sites being considered.

Northern Ireland Water was created in April 2007 and is owned entirely by the Department for Regional Development.

It is responsible for the supply and distribution of drinking water and the provision of sewerage services for approximately 780,000 domestic, agricultural and business customers throughout Northern Ireland.