Wind map for Northern Ireland
The department commissioned a detailed wind mapping exercise to help identify the areas of particular potential. This exercise confirmed the very significant wind resource in Northern Ireland.
Wind map
Over recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the value of Northern Ireland's natural wind energy resource; indeed Northern Ireland is regarded as having one of the greatest wind energy resources in Europe. It is important that the potential of this resource is maximised to contribute to an increase in the proportion of our energy that is derived from renewable sources. In 2003, the Department commissioned a detailed wind mapping exercise to help identify the areas of particular potential. This exercise confirmed the very significant wind resource in Northern Ireland.
The predicted mean wind speed and power in many such locations is in the range of 8 to 10.5 metres per second which is regarded as sufficient to support economical wind energy projects. The map has been derived from the windmapping project and will be of interest to a wide range of people in determining locations of particular potential. The department stresses, however, that results from the windmap are indicative mean values and should not be used without further on-site measurements in any decision to develop a wind energy site.
The wind map can be accessed on the Action Renewables website:
Note: registration is required to view the map.