‘Meet the Buyer’ evening for SSE’s Tievenameenta Wind Farm a great success

Over 20 local businesses  and traders from across the region attended a ‘Meet the Buyer’ evening last week for SSE’s Tievenameenta Wind Farm with the main civil works  due to commence in the coming weeks. The event, which was jointly hosted by SSE and lead contractor Roadbridge, took place at the Aghyaran Community Centre on Thursday 28 January.

SSE, Northern Ireland’s largest provider of wind power, is constructing Tievenameenta Wind Farm at Killeter, Co. Tyrone. The wind farm is due to be fully operational by Spring 2017 and once completed, it will have a total green energy export capacity of 34.5MW, capable of powering up to 25,000* homes.

Prospective suppliers, contractors and individuals interested in the delivery of this major project were invited to attend the ‘Meet the Buyer’ event by the project’s principal civil works contractor, Roadbridge.

SSE is investing £50 million during the development and construction phase of Tievenameenta Wind Farm, of which over £6 Million is available to be spent with the local supply chain. Representatives of Roadbridge along with SSE were in attendance on the night to outline details of the commercial opportunities available to local businesses.  South West College were also present, showcasing the range of courses available in relation to construction, through their Enniskillen and Omagh campuses.

Bronagh Gormley, SSE Community Liaison Officer, said: “Our Meet the Buyer event was a great success. There was a real buzz in the Aghyaran Community Centre, with local suppliers and individuals registering their interest with Roadbridge. It was great to see some familiar faces with a number of landowners and local residents also in attendance.

“At SSE we are committed to renewable energy in Northern Ireland, and Tievenameenta Wind Farm will add significantly to our growing export capacity. We’re proud that the project can also support the local economy through local supply chain contracts that can be worth up to £6 Million, as well as through the creation of on-site construction jobs. Our contribution to the local economy and community doesn’t end there. We estimate that Tievenameenta Wind Farm will directly contribute around £350,000 annually, almost £9 million over its 25-year lifetime, in direct payments through commercial rates, landowner leases and through our Community and Regional Funds.”

*Equivalent homes powered based on performance of SSE wind farms in NI, Apr 2014-Mar 2015.