Details of one of the world's largest wind farms for generating electricity to be located in the Irish Sea have been unveiled in Dublin today.
Green energy company, Airtricity, today announced plans to develop a 25-megawatt wind farm in the Irish Sea to provide power for the Irish electricity grid.
The project, to be located about 10 kilometers off the Wicklow coast will feature seven wind turbines developed by US company, GE Wind Energy.
The project is expected to generate enough clean electricity to serve approximately 16,000 Irish households.
Mr Eddie O'Connor, chief executive of Airtricity, said the project marks the first phase towards energy self-sufficiency for Ireland, which currently imports 90 per cent of its energy needs.
Initially, GE Wind Energy will operate the facility as a demonstration site. Under the terms of the agreement, Airtricity will hold an option to purchase the project after its demonstration is complete, approximately two years after first operation.
Installation of the turbines is expected to begin this summer and the first commercial service is anticipated by the end of the year.