Ireland's first off-shore wind farm is a "milestone project" for Ireland and the global wind industry, it was claimed today.
The farm of seven turbines 10km off the coast of Arklow, which was officially opened today, will produce enough electricity for 16,000 Irish homes.
Built on the Arklow Bank - one of the windiest spots in Europe - it was developed by GE Energy and Airtriciy as a technology demonstration and a learning platform for off-shore wind farms.
Opening the wind power plant, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "Incorporating wind electricity into Ireland's energy mix increases our fuel diversity and also enhances the country's energy security by allowing production of electricity through Ireland's clean and abundant natural energy source, the wind."
Ireland currently meets 90 per cent of its energy needs through imported fuels and the power generated by the project will reduce the requirement to import 15,000 tons of fossil fuels per year,
This will result in a reduction of approximately 68,000 tons of CO2 emissions which is equivalent to taking 16,000 cars off the road, GE Energy said.
Mark Little, global vice president of power generation for GE Energy said: "As the world searches for cleaner and more sustainable methods of generating electricity, wind power is a renewable technology that has moved centre stage.
"The Irish Sea, with its strong, abundant winds and sea conditions has challenged this milestone project, which has provided a showcase for both the wind industry and Ireland,"
Eddie O'Connor, chief executive of Airtricity, said there was enough wind generated in the North Atlantic to provide power to the whole of Europe.
"The benefits to our economy and to our environment from offshore wind energy are enormous and subject to the necessary support from our Government, similar to that in other EU states Airtricity is committed to delivering these benefits on a much larger scale".
The Taoiseach said the Government was committed to meeting and surpassing Ireland's obligations in the EU Renewable Directive 2001.