Gaelectric, the renewable energy and energy storage group, has officially started turning the turbines on it’s multi million euro Dunbeg Wind Farm.

Dunbeg is Gaelectric’s second operating wind farm in Northern Ireland and one of the largest wind farms ever constructed in the province.

The 42 megawatt (MW) wind farm comprises 14 wind turbines, which will generate sufficient renewable power to meet the electricity demand of nearly 24,000 homes on an annual basis.

To date, the project has created over 40 jobs during its development and construction phases.

Commenting, Brendan McGrath, Gaelectric Group CEO, said: “Dunbeg marks a major milestone for our business and further strengthens Gaelectric’s platform within the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on the island of Ireland. Our total permitted portfolio now stands at 140MWs in Northern Ireland and represents a total investment of approx. £170 million. This consolidates Gaelectric’s position as the largest indigenous renewable energy company in Northern Ireland.”

Gaelectric has been progressing an ambitious wind energy development programme in Ireland, the United States centered on the State of Montana, and in energy storage utilising compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology in our CAES Project near Larne inNorthern Ireland. The launch of Dunbeg is a fitting way to mark our 10 years in existence and a tribute to our internal team and our technology and funding partners who have made this happen.”

In the last three years, Gaelectric has secured planning approval for nine Northern Ireland Wind Farm developments, including Dunbeg. The company’s first operational Wind Farm in Northern Ireland, the £20 million Carn Hill Wind Farm located in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim was officially opened in May 2013. Gaelectric plans to commission its remaining seven NI Wind Farm projects by 2017.