The Irish Infrastructure Fund and Viridian-owned Energia have jointly opened Northern Ireland's newest wind farms at Killeter, Co. Tyrone.

The wind farms on Crighshane and Church Hill will generate 50.6 megawatts (MW). This represents a 12% increase in Northern Ireland's total operating wind farm capacity to 448MW.

The wind farms which represent a £60m investment were officially opened by Ian Thom, Chief Executive of Viridian Group, today, Thursday 11th October 2012 at Crighshane wind farm in the presence of local councilors, officials, business people, local schools and community representatives.

-- Advertisement --

The wind farms are majority owned by the Irish Infrastructure Fund established by Irish Life Investment Managers, and managed by AMP Capital. They were developed and operated by Energia Renewables. The electricity generated is being sold to business customers throughout Ireland by Energia.

Peter Baillie, Managing Director, Energia Renewables said the latest additions are clear evidence of Energia's commitment to renewable energy.

"We are delighted to be opening the 50.6MW wind farms today. Along with other recent wind farms at Corkemore (Killybegs) and Drumlough Hill (Ballyliffin) and Caherdowney (Millstreet), it is proof of Energia’s ongoing commitment to invest in and develop renewable energy.

"The company has consistently been one of the largest investors in the renewable sector. We have invested €200 million in the last two years in over 100MW of wind farm developments and we are also supporting third party wind generator investments of €600m in more than 450MW of wind farms throughout Ireland through long-term off-take agreements."

(CD/GK)