Wind

The energy of the wind can be seen in the billowing of sails or the drying of clothes on a line. Wind machines can convert this kinetic energy into more useful forms. Traditionally, wind machines have been used to mill grain and pump water.

Today the focus is on producing electricity using turbines, which are often grouped together in what is known as a wind farm.

Ireland's wind resource is among the best in Europe. The country's first wind farm in Bellacorrick, County Mayo, started generating electricity in October 1992. Operating with 21 wind turbines, it has a rated capacity of 6.45 MW and generates enough electricity to supply about 3,000 homes.

As of Dec 2001, there were over 20 wind farms operational in Ireland, with a combined capacity of 125 MW - generating enough energy for over 80,000 Irish homes. By reducing the requirement to produce electricity from fossil fuels, these wind farms annually avoid the emission of 300,000 tonnes of CO2 (the main greenhouse gas), 3,750 tonnes of sulphur dioxide and 1,250 tonnes of nitrous oxide which cause air pollution and acid rain.
 
For a Map of Wind Farm Locations in Ireland, click here
 
The government policy as outlined in the Green Paper on Sustainable Energy calls for a further 500 MW of electricity generated from renewable sources in the 5 years following 2000. Most of this extra capacity is expected to be competitively provided by wind energy, so there is likely to be over 600 MW of wind energy capacity installed by 2005.
 
For more information on Wind Energy please click here.