Irish wind farms have produced 33% of the country’s electricity since the start of the year, new figures from Wind Energy Ireland show today.

Wind Energy Ireland said around 22% of demand was meet by windfarms last month, up slightly when compared to May last year.

It also said that wind farms had a significant impact on consumer bills and May marked the fourth consecutive month where average wholesale electricity prices have fallen.

The average cost of a megawatt-hour of electricity was €68.66 on the windiest day, rising to an average across the month of €108.54. On the days when the country relied on imported gas, wholesale electricity prices were as high as €148.61.

Kerry saw the highest wind energy output, followed by Cork and Galway in May.

Noel Cunniffe, Wind Energy Ireland CEO, said that wind energy is driving down costs for consumers every month.

“The more wind farms we can build, the less we are relying on imported fossil fuels, meaning lower carbon emissions and lower energy bills,” he added.

Meanwhile to mark Global Wind Day on 15 June, Wind Energy Ireland is inviting the public to explore their local wind farm.

The “Get out in the wind” campaign celebrates the country’s most abundant source of renewable electricity and the wind farms which supply clean, affordable power to Irish families and businesses.

Noel Cunniffe said that Irish wind farms create jobs, support local communities, cut carbon emissions and cut energy bills.

“But what people might not realise is that wind farms also have more local benefits, serving as havens for wildlife, and offering the perfect location for a variety of outdoor activities – from family walks and picnics, to hiking and biking,” he said.

The annual campaign helps people to understand how wind farms operate by enabling visitors to get up close to the source of more than a third of the country’s electricity.

Many wind farms are open to the public all year round, while several more are opening their doors for the month of June. Locations are open in Cavan, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow.

Participating windfarms include Meenadreen Wind Farm in Co Donegal, whose trails form part of the scenic Leghowney Loop Walk, and Ireland’s largest wind farm, Oweninny in Co Mayo.

Article Source – Wind farms provided 33% of Ireland’s electricity so far this year – RTE

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