Benefits

RES seeks to be a power for good in the communities that neighbour our projects by working openly and constructively to ensure sensitive design and tangible local economic benefits. 

Working with the local supply chain

RES tries to ensure that, wherever reasonably practicable, local contractors and employees are used in all aspects of wind farm development. The major opportunity lies during the construction phase when suitably qualified local firms are identified and invited to bid for different aspects of construction, such as foundation laying and electrical works. Construction materials are normally sourced locally (i.e. within the county) and local transport and plant hire companies used wherever possible.

RES has shown through the construction of Altaveedan Wind Farm in County Antrim, where we have spent more than £4 million in the local economy during construction, that we will use local businesses where the skills and services are available. If consented we will work hard to build on that success at Magheramore, ensuring that we maximise local job and supply chain opportunities.

Magheramore, if consented, is predicted to deliver approximately £6 million of inward investment into the Northern Ireland economy in the form of jobs, employment, and use of local services during the development, construction and first year of operation.

Net zero and energy security

Northern Ireland’s Climate Bill sets a target of 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, and it is expected that 65% of this will need to come from onshore wind.

If consented, Magheramore Wind Farm would be capable of generating clean, low-cost electricity for the around 22,700 homes each year.

Wind energy is a free and inexhaustible resource which has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix. It increases energy security by reducing our reliance on imports and builds our resilience to sudden fossil fuel price fluctuations or the uncertainty of global markets.

Low-cost electricity

Onshore wind, alongside other renewable technologies, are the cheapest form of electricity generation. It can be deployed quickly and delivered at lower costs than hydro, marine technologies, and nuclear.