Seven-turbine wind farm project begins to take shape

Another major wind farm project is beginning to take shape.

Lenalea Wind Farm, situated between Stranorlar and Letterkenny, has just taken delivery of the first sections of a new seven-turbine wind farm project 

This took place earlier this week in the early hours of the morning to ensure minimum disturbance to local residents. The deliveries will continue over the next few weeks, with the turbine blades requiring a specialist team to transport these large components for this SSE Renewables and FuturEnergy Ireland co-development venture.

The turbine delivery route was agreed in advance with Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochána. The components will arrive in Killybegs port then bypass Donegal Town and move through Ballybofey before making their way to the Lenalea site.

The turbine contractor’s team at the Lenalea site took delivery of the first wind turbine nacelle – the cover which houses all of the generating components in a wind turbine, including the generator, gearbox, drive train, and brake assembly.

The V117-4.3 MW turbine components are manufactured by the international wind turbine supplier Vestas and were shipped to the port of Killybegs from various factories in Europe. The components are scheduled to be installed at Lenalea between early June and the end of August.

The wind farm trucks navigate their way around McClay's Corner, Stranorlar

Elizabeth Anne Read, associate project manager, Vestas said: “We are very pleased with the way the initial component deliveries have progressed, and soon we will be delivering further items including the wind turbine blades. This will require a specialist team to transport these impressive pieces of kit as well as an escort from the gardaí.”

Project manager Patrick Greene for Lenalea Wind Farm added this is a significant milestone for the project, and now means that they are one step closer to delivering green electricity for the community in Donegal.

"Our Lenalea wind farm project is also contributing to SSE Renewables’ own ambitious Net Zero Acceleration Plan which sees us spending around €8m a day on critical low-carbon infrastructure needed for the global transition to net zero emissions. As a responsible developer and operator, we are looking forward to working closely with the neighbouring community in Lenalea.”

Emmet Mc Laughlin, project manager at FuturEnergy Ireland was also delighted saying it was fantastic to see the turbine components begin to arrive on site and bring Lenalea Wind Farm another big step closer to operation.

"This is a pivotal moment in the construction phase, which has boosted the local economy and employment."

This is the time for community members to come forward and express an interest in being part of the Community Benefit Fund committee, which will provide approximately €150,000 a year for local initiatives, projects, clubs and amenities.

If you would like to be involved in deciding where the fund is spent, contact communityfundireland@sse.com