The following Frequently Asked Questions should help answer any outstanding questions you may have.

1. How many Wind Farms/Turbines are there in Ireland?

2. I want to visit a wind farm, where is the nearest one to me?

3. What is the current installed wind capacity of Ireland?

4. What can I do to help wind energy in Ireland?

5. What is a Wind Farm comprised of?
   
   

1. How many Wind Farms/Turbines are there in Ireland?
   At present* there are 94 wind farms, on-line and operational, in 21 counties on the island of Ireland. This roughly translates into about 350 commercial turbines currently in operation. *Figures correct as on 19/09/08
   
   

2. I want to visit a wind farm, where is the nearest one to me?
   With such a large number of wind farms in operation in Ireland it is highly likely that there is a wind farm located quite close to your community, either in or adjacent to your own county.
   
   If you do decide to visit a wind farm but don't quite know how to go about it you can also contact us at IWEA and we can help put you in contact with wind farm operators in your area. You can also find out about projects which are planned, approved or under construction in your area from your local planning office.
   
   

3. What is the current installed wind capacity of Ireland?
   The current* grid connected and operational installed wind capacity on the island of Ireland is 1086.37 Megawatts (MW) which will on average generate 2,950,146 Megawatt hours (MWh) in a year given a 31% load** or capacity factor.
   
   Sustainable Energy Ireland's 2008 Report, "Energy in the Residential Sector" report states that the average household consumed 25.3 MWh in 2006. If we assume that electricity consumption growth is roughly similar as previous years (around 3%) this means that in 2008, wind energy accounts for the electricity needs of almost 112,000 domestic households in Ireland.
   
   *Figures correct on 19/09/08.
   ** A 31% load factor or capacity factor means that we assume that the actual output or electricity generation over the year from wind generation is 31% of its maximum capacity.
   
   

4. What can I do to help wind energy in Ireland?
   There are many ways to positively support both wind energy as a renewable resource, and the Irish wind industry. One of the simplest ways is to become a member of the IWEA and lend your support to the organisation. Your contribution will help the IWEA push and promote the wind agenda in Ireland.
   
   If your business or home is currently supplied by non-renewable energy, investigate the possibility of switching to a renewable wind energy provider. This has the effect of supporting current wind energy suppliers and encourages both the expansion of current wind enterprises and entry of new ones.
   
   One of the most helpful things you can do is to help win the debate on wind energy. Get involved and respond to wind energy debates in local and national papers. Participate in radio phone-in programmes and wherever else the opportunity arises. Your contribution is extremely valuable and will help promote positive attitudes and perceptions about wind energy.
   
   

5. What is a Wind Farm comprised of?
   A wind farm is comprised of a group of wind turbines located relatively in the same area which are then interconnected with a medium voltage power collection system together with a communications network. A substation is also located on site. At the substation, this medium-voltage electrical current is increased in voltage with a transformer for connection to the higher voltage transmission system.