Energy firm Gaelectric has opened a new £13.4 million wind farm in Co Antrim.

The 9.2MW wind farm at Cloonty includes four Enercon wind turbines, with a maximum blade tip height of 110 metres. It will generate sufficient green renewable power to meet the electricity demand of over 5,000 homes on an annual basis.

The wind farm will also create jobs, support workforce skills and contribute to economic activity in the area. To date, the project has created over 20 full time and part time jobs during its development and construction phase.

Patrick McClughan, Head of Corporate Affairs for Gaelectric Developments Ltd, said: "We are delighted to officially open the Cloonty wind farm development, our fourth operating wind farm in Northern Ireland. This opening marks yet another important milestone for our business and further strengthens Gaelectric's platform in the energy market.

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"Our total permitted portfolio now stands at 140 MWs in Northern Ireland and represents a total investment of approx £170million. This consolidates Gaelectric's position as the largest indigenous renewable energy company in Northern Ireland, and we are proud to make a significant contribution to Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets."

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: "I would like to welcome the opening of this wind farm which will greatly enhance the amount of green energy already produced in our region. As well as this, it will have a positive economic impact through job creation and the Community Benefit Fund, which will provide financial support to local community and voluntary groups. I commend Gaelectric for this, and I would encourage all eligible groups in the area to take advantage of this funding."

(CD/LM)