Wind power in the Republic of Ireland

As of 2011, the Republic of Ireland has an installed wind power capacity of 1,428 megawatts.[1] It is more than three times the total of 495.2 megawatts in 2005. In 2008 alone, the rate of growth was 54.6%, amongst the highest in the world.[2] On July 31, 2009, the output from the country's turbines peaked at 999 megawatts. At that time, 39% of Ireland’s demand for electricity was met from wind.[3] On October 24, 2009, the output exceeded 1000 megawatts for the first time with a peak of 1064 MW. Once in April 2010, 50% of electricity demand was met from wind power.[4] However, the wind generation capacity factor for 2010 was approx. 23.5%, giving an annual average wind energy penetration of approx. 11% of total KWh consumed. [5], [6]

A new record in the output of Ireland’s wind farms was recorded at 6pm on Wednesday evening November 2nd 2011, it reached 1,412 megawatts.[7]

Contents

Background

In the Directive[8] 2001/77/EC, otherwise known as the RES-E Directive, the European Union stated a goal to have 22% of the total energy consumed by member states to be produced from renewable energy resources by 2010. As a result, Ireland, in a report titled "Policy Consideration for Renewable Electricity to 2010", made the commitment to have 4% of its total energy consumption come from renewable energy resources by 2002 and 13.2% by 2010. The Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) founded the Renewable Energy Group (REG) which established the short term analysis group (STAG) to investigate a means of accomplishing this goal. To meet the 2010 target of 13.2%, 1,432 MW of electricity will need to be generated from renewable resources with 1,100 MW being generated from wind resources both onshore and offshore.

Current issues

There are a few issues facing current development and deployment of wind energy.

Grid connection timing

Grid connection is currently awarded on a 'first come, first connect' basis through Gate 3 procedures. On examination of the Gate 3 queue, there are a number of large onshore and offshore wind projects that are down the list and will, therefore, be offered grid connection towards the end of the anticipated 18-month processing period commencing in December 2009.[9]

Planning permission

Wind farms currently are given a planning permission that expires after five years. Legislation now exists to receive a 10 year planning grant, though it is rarely granted. But, the application process for securing a connection to the grid is on average 11 years for a distribution connection (less than 20 MW) and 8 years for a transmission connection (more than 20 MW). Extensions to the planning permissions may be granted if a significant amount of work has been completed on the wind farm. However, there is no standard or minimum of accepted amount of work that needs to be completed to be granted an extension of the planning permission. This causes some developers to not begin work on a wind farm until a grid connection is guaranteed, which slows the process of fulfilling necessary development to meet the 2010 and future energy goals.

REFIT

The fourth issue regarding the generation of wind power is the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff, or REFIT. The purpose of REFIT is to encourage development of renewable energy resources. For wind power production, the current limit to the tariff is 1,450 MW. However, applications currently being processed for grid connections exceed the limit by almost 1,500 MW for a total for nearly 3,000 MW. Since the limit is 1,450 MW, many of the applications for grid connections may not eligible for the tariff.[10]

Arklow Bank Wind Park

Main article: Arklow Bank Wind Park

The Arklow Bank Wind Park, located 10 km off the coast of Arklow on the Arklow Bank in the Irish Sea, was Ireland's first offshore wind farm. The wind farm is owned and built by GE Energy and was co-developed by Airtricity and GE Energy. The site has 7 GE Energy 3.6 MW turbines that generate a total of 25 MW. The development of the site was originally divided into two phases with the first phase being the current installation of 7 turbines. The second phase was a partnership between Airtricity and Acciona Energy. Acciona Energy had an option to buy the project after the facility is completed. The wind farm was planned to expand to 520 MW of power. However, in 2007, Phase 2 was cancelled.[11]

Although the waters off the Atlantic coastline of Ireland are a better site for wind farms because of the available wind resources, sites along the eastern coastline such as Arklow were chosen because of the shallower waters, which are 20 m deep or less.

Economic impact

The European Union has estimated that the current cost for wind energy is 26 €c/kWh. Although this much higher than the 15 €c/kWh for fossil fuel generated energy, the SEI, Sustainable Energy Ireland, has said that “external costs” of fossil fuel generated electricity needs to be considered in the overall energy cost. These “external costs” include the harvesting, processing, use of fossil fuels; the disposal of waste, and the health problems caused by the pollution generated.

There has been some controversy surrounding the costs involved of the use wind farms to supply electricity. A report by the Commission for Energy Regulation and Northern Ireland titled “Impact of High Levels of Wind Penetration in 2020 on the Electricity Market” states that in order for savings from wind generated power to be significant, oil would have to reach $200 per barrel. The report goes on to say that wind power will need to be subsidized as long as oil is around US$100 a barrel or less.

The potential for generating employment, however, is incredibly significant. The National Offshore Wind Association of Ireland (NOW Ireland) announced in April 2010 that 60,000 potential jobs could be created in the Irish marine, construction, engineering and service industries through the development of offshore wind energy in Irish and European waters. NOW Ireland also announced in the same month that over €50bn was due to be invested in the Irish Sea and Celtic Sea in the preceding two decades.[12]

Completed onshore wind farms

Wind Farm Completed Capacity (MW) Turbines Turbine Vendor Model Size (MW) County Coordinates Operator
Altagowlan 2005 7.6 9 Gamesa G52/850 0.85 Roscommon B9 [13]
Anarget 2004 1.2 2 ENERCON E-40 0.6 Donegal
Anarget Extension 2007 0.9 1 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Donegal
Astellas 2011 0.8 1 ENERCON E-53 0.8 Kerry
Ballincollig Hill 2009 13.3 16 ENERCON E-44 and E-48 0.9 and 0.8 Kerry
Ballinlough/Ikerrin 2006 2.55 3 Vestas V52/850 0.85 Tipperary
Ballinveny 2006 2.55 3 Vestas V52/850 0.85 Tipperary
Balloo Wood 2008 0.9 1 ENERCON E-48 0.9 Down
Ballybane 2008 29.9 13 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Cork Windprospect [14]
Ballymartin 2010 6.9 3 ENERCON E-82 2.3 Kilkenny
Ballywater 2006 42 21 ENERCON E-70 2 Wexford
Bawnmore 1 2011 11.5 5 ENERCON E-82 2.3 Cork
Bawnmore 2 2011 13.8 6 ENERCON E-82 2.3 Cork
Barnesmore 1997 15 21 Vestas V42/600 0.60 Donegal B9 [13]
Beal Hill/1 2000 1.65 1 Vestas V66 1.65 Kerry
Beal Hill/2 2003 2.55 3 Vestas V52/850 0.85 Kerry
Beallough 2008 1.7 2 Vestas V52/850 0.85 Waterford
Beam Hill 2008 14 8 Vestas V66 1.75 Donegal
Beenageeha 2000 3.96 6 Vestas V47/660 0.66 Kerry B9 [13]
Bellacorick 1992 6.45 21 Nordtank NTK300 0.3 Mayo
Bindoo [15] 2007 48 32 GE 1.5s 1.5 Cavan
Blackbanks/1 2001 3.4 4 Vestas V52 0.85 Leitrim ESBI [16]
Blackbanks/2 2005 6.8 8 Vestas V52 0.85 Leitrim ESBI [16]
Boggeragh 2009 57 19 Vestas V90 3 Cork
Booltiagh [17] 2005 19.5 13 GE 1.5s 1.5 Clare SWS [18]
Burtonport 2003 0.66 1 Vestas V47 0.66 Donegal
Caranne Hill 2008 3.4 4 Gamesa G52 0.85 Sligo ESBI [16]
Cark 1997 15 25 NEG Micon NM43 0.6 Donegal B9 [13]
Carnsore [19] 2002 11.9 14 Vestas V52/850 0.85 Wexford ESBI [16]
Carrigcannon 2010 23 10 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Cork
Carrigh 2006 2.55 3 Vestas V52 0.85 Tipperary
Carrons 2010 4.6 2 ENERCON E-82 2.3 Limerick
Carrowleagh 2011 36.8 16 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Cork
Castledockrell 2011 41.4 18 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Wexford Castledockrell Wind Group Limited
Clahane 2008 40 20 ENERCON E70 2 Donegal
Coomacheo [20] 2008 41.4 18 Siemens 2.3VS 2.3 Cork SSE Renewables [21]
Coomatallin [22] 2005 6 4 GE 1.5SE 1.5 Cork SSE Renewables [21]
Cornacahan 2007 2.7 3 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Donegal
Corneen [23] 2001 3 2 GE 1.5S 1.5 Cavan SSE Renewables [21]
Corrie Mt. 1997 4.8 8 Vestas V42 0.6 Leitrim Eco Wind Power [24]
Crocane 2010 1.6 2 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Cork
Crockahenny [25] 1998 5.0 10 ENERCON E-40 0.5 Donegal ESBI [16]
Cronalaght 1&2 1997 4.8 8 Vestas V39 0.6 Donegal
Cronelea 2007 6.9 3 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Wexford
Cronelea Upper 1.8 2 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Wicklow
Cronelea Upper [26] 2005 2.55 3 Vestas V52 0.85 Wicklow
Cuillalea/Kiltmagh 2004 3.4 4 Vestas V52 0.85 Mayo
Culliagh [27] 2000 12 18 Vestas V47/660 0.66 Donegal
Curragh [28] 2009 18 8 Siemens 2.3VS 2.3 Cork SSE Renewables [21]
Curraghgraigue 2004 2.55 3 Vestas V52 0.85 Tipperary
Derrybrien [29] 2006 60 70 Vestas V52 0.85 Galway ESBI [16]
Derrynadiva 2009 8 10 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Mayo
Dromada [30] 2009 28.5 19 GE 1.5s 1.5 Limerick SSE Renewables [21]
Drumlough 1997 4.8 8 Windmaster 0.6 Donegal B9 [13]
Drybridge/Dunmore 2006 1.7 2 Vestas V52 0.85 Louth
Dundalk IT 2005 0.85 1 Vestas V52 0.85 Louth DIT
Dunmore 2009 1.8 2 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Louth
Flughland [31] 2009 9.2 4 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Donegal SWS [18]
Gartnaneane [32] 2004 15 10 GE 1.5S 1.5 Cavan SSE Renewables [21]
Geevagh 2006 5 6 Gamesa G52 0.85 Sligo B9 [13]
Glackmore 2008 2.3 1 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Donegal
Gneeves [33] 2005 9.35 11 Vestas V52 0.85 Cork SWS [18]
Greenoge [34] 2005 5.2 4 Nordex N60 1.3 Carlow Greenoge Windfarm Ltd
Inverin 1&2 1999 3.96 4 Vestas V47 0.66 Galway
Kealkill 2006 8.5 10 Gamesa V52 0.85 Cork
Kilgarvan [35] 2006 45 15 Vestas V90 3 Kerry SWS [18]
Kilgarvan Ext [35] 2009 30 13 Nordex N90 2.3 Kerry SWS [18]
Killybegs 2008 13.8 6 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Donegal
Kilronan [36] 1998 5 10 Vestas V39 0.5 Roscommon
Kilvinane 2006 4.5 3 Gamesa G850 0.85 Cork
Kingsmountain [37] 2003 25 10 Nordex N80 2.5 Sligo SSE Renewables [21]
Knockastanna [38] 2009 6 4 GE 1.5 1.5 Limerick SSE Renewables [21]
Knockawarriga [39] 2008 22.5 9 Nordex N90 2.5 Limerick SWS [18]
Lacka Cross 2009 4.6 2 ENERCON E-82 2.3 Kerry
Lackan 2006 6.9 3 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Sligo
Lahanaght Hill 2006 4.25 5 Vestas V52 0.85 Cork
Largan Hill 2000 5.9 9 Vestas V47 0.66 Roscommon B9 [13]
Lenanavea 2010 4.5 5 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Mayo
Lisheen [40] 2009 54 18 Vestas V90 3 Tipperary SWS [18]
Loughderryduff 2008 7.65 9 Vestas V52 0.85 Donegal
Lurganboy 2008 5.4 6 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Donegal
Mace Upper 2009 2.4 3 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Mayo
Meenachullalan 2008 13.8 6 ENERCON E70 2.3 Donegal
Meenadreen 2003 3.4 4 Vestas V52 0.85 Donegal B9 [13]
Meenanilta 2004 2.55 3 Vestas V52 0.85 Donegal
Meenanilta 3 2004 3.2 4 ENERCON E-48 0.80 Donegal
Meentycat[41] 2005 72 38 Siemens 2.3 Donegal SSE Renewables [21]
Midas [42] 2007 32.24 23 Vestas V90 and V52 3 and 0.85 Kerry SSE Renewables [21]
Mienvee(I and II) 2004 1.7 1 Vestas V52 0.85 Tipperary SWS [18]
Milane Hill 2000 5.94 9 Vestas V47 0.66 Cork B9 [13]
Moanmore 2006 14 7 ENERCON E-70 E4 2 Clare
Moneenatieve 2005 4.25 2 Gamesa G52 0.85 Leitrim B9 [13]
Mount Eagle 2 2008 1.7 2 Vestas V52 0.85 Kerry
Mountain Lodge 2008 34.5 23 GE 1.5s 1.5 Cavan ESBI [16]
Mountain Lodge II 2009 3 2 GE 1.5s 1.5 Cavan ESBI [16]
Mullananalt [43] 2008 7.5 5 GE 1.5s 1.5 Monaghan SSE Renewables [21]
Muingnaminnane 2008 14.8 18 ENERCON E-44 and E-48 0.9 and 0.8 Kerry Saorgus [44]
Pallas 2008 40 20 ENERCON E-70 2.0 Kerry Pallas Wind Farms Ltd
Raheen Barr 2003 18.7 22 Vestas V52 0.85 Mayo
Rahora 2008 4 5 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Cork
Rathmooney 2009 0.8 1 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Dublin
Reenascreena 2009 4.0 5 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Cork
Richfield [45] 2006 27 18 GE 1.5s 1.5 Wexford SSE Renewables [21]
Seltannaveeny 2010 4.6 2 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Leitrim
Shannagh 2009 2.7 3 ENERCON E-44 0.9 Donegal
Sheeragh 2008 4.6 2 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Donegal
Skehanagh 2006 4.25 5 Vestas V52 0.85 Tipperary
Skrine 2011 4.6 2 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Roscommon
Snugborough 2003 13.5 9 GE 1.5s 1.5 Louth
Sonnagh Old 2004 7.65 9 Vestas V52 0.85 Galway
Sorne Hill 2006 38 19 ENERCON E-70 2 Donegal Bord Gais
Spion Kop 1997 1.2 2 Vestas V42 0.6 Leitrim
Slievereagh 2009 2.3 1 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Limerick
Taurbeg 2006 25.3 11 Siemens SWT-2.3 2.3 Cork B9 [13]
Tournafulla [46] 2007 27 18 GE 1.5s 1.5 Limerick SSE Renewables [21]
Tullynamoyle 2011 9.2 4 ENERCON E-70 2.3 Leitrim Tullynamoyle Wind Farm Limited
Tursillagh/1 2000 15.8 23 Vestas V47 0.66 Kerry Saorgus [44]
Tursillagh/2 2004 6.8 23 Vestas V52 0.85 Kerry Saorgus [44]
Ulster University 2008 0.8 1 ENERCON E-48 0.8 Belfast

List of proposed or under construction wind farms

Wind Farm Scheduled Capacity (MW) Turbines Type Operator Location Type
Codling [47] Unknown 1100 220 Unknown Codling Wind Farm County Wicklow Offshore
Carriganima 2011 Summer 13.8 12 Enercon E70/2300 Wind Prospect County Cork Onshore
Dublin Array [48] 2015 364 145 unknown Saorgus [49] County Dublin Offshore
Glenmore 2009 Summer 30 10 VESTAS V90 Clare Winds Ltd County Clare Onshore
Glenough [50] 2010 Winter 32.5 13 NORDEX N80/N90 ABO Wind County Tipperary Onshore
Gortahile [50] 2010 Autumn 20 8 NORDEX N90 ABO Wind County Laois Onshore
Grouse Lodge [50] 2011 Summer 20 8 NORDEX N90 ESBI County Tipperary Onshore
Moneypoint [51] Unknown 22.5 9 Unknown Hibernian Windpower County Clare Onshore
Mount Callan [52] Unknown 90 30 3MW West Clare Renewable Energy County Clare Onshore
Oriel [53] 2013 330 55 Unknown Oriel Windfarm Ltd County Louth Offshore
Skerd Rocks [54] Unknown 100 20 5MW FST [55] County Galway Offshore

See also

Ireland portal
Energy portal

References

  1. ^ [1] Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland – 6th Mar 2011
  2. ^ World Wind Energy Report 2008
  3. ^ Green Inc Blog on the New York Times Website
  4. ^ [2]
  5. ^ [3]
  6. ^ [4]
  7. ^ Press Release - New Wind Record for Ireland
  8. ^ EU Directive 2001/77/EC - http://ec.europa.eu/
  9. ^ Developing the Green Economy in Ireland 2-12-2009 Page 41 http://www.forfas.ie/media/dete091202_green_economy.pdf
  10. ^ [5] IWEA current issues
  11. ^ http://www.airtricity.com/assets/Uploads2/Press-Releases/Offshore-support-press-release1.pdf
  12. ^ http://www.insideireland.ie/index.cfm/section/news/ext/windfarms001/category/896
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k B9 Homepage
  14. ^ Windprospect
  15. ^ SSE Renewables page on Bindoo
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h ESBI Wind Energy Homepage
  17. ^ IWEA page on Booltiagh
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h SWS Homepage
  19. ^ Hibernian Windpower page on Carnsore
  20. ^ SSE Renewables page on Coomacheo
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m SSE Renewables Homepage
  22. ^ SSE Renewables page on Coomatallin
  23. ^ SSE Renewables page on Corneen
  24. ^ Eco Wind Power Homepage
  25. ^ Hibernian Windpower page on Crockahenny
  26. ^ SEI list of Irish wind farms
  27. ^ SSE Renewables page on Culliagh
  28. ^ SSE page on Curragh
  29. ^ Hibernian Windpower page on Derrybrien
  30. ^ SSE Renewables page on Dromada
  31. ^ SWS page on Flughland
  32. ^ SSE Renewables page on Gartnaneane
  33. ^ SWS page on Gneeves
  34. ^ Windpower.net page on Greenoge
  35. ^ a b SWS page on Kilgarvan
  36. ^ Kilronan website
  37. ^ SSE Renewables page on Kingsmountain
  38. ^ SSE Renewables page on Knockastanna
  39. ^ SWS page on Knockawarriga
  40. ^ SWS page on Lisheen
  41. ^ SSE Renewables page on Meentycat
  42. ^ SSE Renewables page on Midas
  43. ^ SSE Renewables page on Mullananalt
  44. ^ a b c Saorgus Homepage
  45. ^ SSE Renewables page on Richfield
  46. ^ SSE Renewables page on Tournafulla
  47. ^ [6]
  48. ^ Dublin Array Details
  49. ^ company site
  50. ^ a b c ABO Wind page
  51. ^ Hibernian page on Moneypoint
  52. ^ [7]
  53. ^ Oriel website
  54. ^ Technical Details
  55. ^ company site

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