News

Consortium selected for Ulster wind project

The Crown Estate today announced that the consortium, First Flight Wind, has been selected to develop an offshore wind farm off the south east coast of County Down, Northern Ireland. Subject to obtaining all necessary consents from the Department of Environment and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the project could deliver up to 600 Megawatts (MW) of generating capacity for Northern Ireland. First Flight Wind Ltd is a consortium comprising B9 Energy, DONG Energy and RES.

Benj Sykes, chairman of First Flight Wind, said: “We are delighted that First Flight Wind has been selected to develop this pioneering project. Harnessing the locally abundant offshore wind resources will help Northern Ireland to become more self-sufficient in electricity supplies and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive sources of energy. This project will also offer opportunities for local companies in the development, construction and operation phases.”

Michael Harper, director of First Flight Wind, added: We recognise that the development of an offshore wind farm off the County Down coast will generate local interest and debate. We are looking forward to meeting and consulting with local communities so that we can identify issues of concern, explore solutions and design a project that will be a positive asset to the local community and to Northern Ireland.”