Technical Information

Athea Project

Athea Wind Farm consists of a number of clusters of windmills and is located in County Limerick, approximately 6km to the north of Abbeyfeale. The wind farm consists of 32 turbines distributed south-eastwards from the summit of Knockathea across Knocknalaght to Dromada mountain to give an installed capacity of 93mw. It is intended to install Vestas V90 3mw turbines on the site. The turbines are located between 176m and 220m above sea level (ASL) to the south of Athea. The wind farm is located on a smooth ridge running west to east, with the highest elevation being the summit of Knocknalaght at 227m. The windfarm is on a plateau and the surrounding terrain is undulating in character. The vegetation on site is predominantly rough grassland, and there are a number of plantations close to the turbine locations.

The first phase 18 turbine wind farm has 3 distinct sections within its layout. These sections correspond to the turbines which have energy supply contracts under the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) process. Tradewinds have been granted supply contracts under AER (v) and AER (vi).

The remaining 14 turbines will supply power under the new Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) mechanism which is currently being developed by the DCMNR as a support mechanism for renewable energy in Ireland.

WIND ENERGY: THE WAY FORWARD FOR IRELAND - this is a link to an article by David Milborrow, Energy Consultant, Lewes, East Sussex, UK.