Northern Ireland has invested about $34 million into wind farm projects throughout the country, adding about 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to the country's electric grid. BBC reported the investment was recently approved by the Utility Regulator and the projects are expected to help the country reach it's target of having 40 percent of its electricity needs coming from renewable sources by 2020.
Along with the $34 million investment, an additional roughly $5 million will be used to improve existing circuits so they can accommodate the added megawatts of energy, the article stated.
Shane Lynch, chief executive of the Utility Regulator, which is an independent, non-ministerial government department, said renewable energy development is at an important stage in Northern Ireland.
UTV reported that 451 MW of wind energy is currently connected to the grid in Northern Ireland. Another 1,000 MW of wind energy can provide 27 percent of the electricity demand in 2020, the article stated.
PennEnergy's research area offers details on the energy outlook for the U.K.
