Wind Energy

Wind farm open up to celebrate Global Wind Day

Today is Global Wind Day, with events happening all over the globe to highlight wind power and wind energy technologies. Here in Ireland, wind farm operators across the country are hosting events so people can learn more about this clean-tech area.

The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) is also hosting KidWind workshops in Dublin, Waterford and Tipperary to introduce teachers to the science behind wind energy so that they can then teach students about renewable energy

Last year over 1,000 people visited wind farms across the country on Global Wind Day.

According to the IWEA, commercial wind power is deployed in more than 75 countries around the world, with 21 countries, including Ireland, having more than 1000MW installed.

It said wind energy power stood at just 53MW in Ireland in 1997, while in 2011 this figure had reached 1,631MW.

With Rio+20, the UN’s conference on sustainable development, set to run from 20-22 June, Kenneth Matthews, who heads up the IWEA said that Global Wind Day shines a spotlight on the true potential of wind energy.

"Not only does the increased use of wind energy lower carbon dioxide emissions, it also creates opportunities for job creation, investment and economic recovery, which are priorities for the Irish government at the moment," he said.

Ireland’s Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan will lead the Irish delegation at the Rio+20 summit.

As for the open days, here in Ireland to celebrate Global Wind Day, Slieve Kirk wind farm in County Derry / Londonderry, which is run by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), will have an open day tomorrow for families.

Glenough wind farm in Co Tipperary, which is operated by ABO Wind, will also have an open day tomorrow for families.

And on Monday, Gruig wind farm in Co Antrim will also be open to the public.

On 19 June, there will be a school tour for primary-school students at Mountain Lodge wind farm in Cootehill, Co Cavan.

Wind power in Ireland

1997: 53 MW
1998: 73 MW (+37.8 %)
1999: 73 MW (- %)
2000: 119 MW (+63.1 %)
2001: 125 MW (+5.1 %)
2002: 137 MW (+9.6 %)
2003: 186 MW (+35.8 %)
2004: 339 MW (+82.3 %)
2005: 495 MW (+46.1 %)
2006: 746 MW (+50.8 %)
2007: 805 MW (+8 %)
2008: 1,245 MW (+54.7 %)
2009: 1,260 MW (+1.3 %)
2010: 1,392 MW (+10.5 %)
2011: 1,631 MW (+17.2 %)

www.iwea.com