SSE’s 34.5MW Tievenameenta Wind Farm near Killeter, Co. Tyrone, has reached a significant milestone, with the first of 15 turbines now generating clean, green energy.
Construction of the wind farm began in January 2016, with the first turbine components arriving on site in mid-August. All 15 turbines are expected to be fully operational by spring 2017.
Roadbridge is the lead contractor for the construction of the project, while the turbines are being supplied and installed by Siemens.
When completed, the site will generate enough renewable energy to power 25,000 homes*. The wind farm will also provide support for the local community through SSE Airtricity’s annual Community and Regional funds.
Speaking after the first turbine was powered up, Garry Brides, SSE’s Project Manager for Tievenameenta, said:
“We are delighted that the first of the 15 turbines at Tievenameenta Wind Farm is now powered, with good progress being made on the others. It’s a testament to the work of the whole team on the site – all of those involved in preparing the grounds, installing the bases, delivering the turbines, and erecting them – that we are working safely and within our timescale targets.
“We are also extremely grateful to the local community, who have worked with us since we moved on to the site in January. Their cooperation and patience has helped the construction process run smoothly. Many of the construction team are from within a 20-mile radius of the area, which is one of the many ways SSE has ensured local benefits from this development.
“Over the next few weeks and months, further turbines will be powered up, and Tievenameenta will be fully operational within the first half of next year.”
Earlier this year, Tievenameenta Wind Farm was independently commended as an ‘exceptional and innovative’ construction site in the Considerate Constructors Scheme report. The project received a score of 44 out of 50, including full marks for innovation in the steps taken to protect the environment. The site also received high marks for the ‘exceptional’ work undertaken on site in the areas of Care about Appearance, Respect for the Community and Securing Everyone’s Safety.
*Equivalent homes powered based on performance of SSE wind farms in NI, Apr 2014-Mar 2015.