NTR acquires Co Antrim wind farm

NTR has bought a wind farm in Co Antrim, making it the third investment in a wind project in Northern Ireland within 18 months for the firm.

The 18MW Altaveedan Wind Farm is being built by developer RES, with whom NTR teamed up previously on the Ora More farm in Co Fermanagh last year.

The nine-turbine Antrim project, which began construction in 2015, is expected to cost more than £30 million.

"With this investment, over £60 million of capital will be invested into NTR wind projects locally, which together will provide enough clean energy to sustain an estimated 40,000 homes in Northern Ireland, " said NTR's chief investment officer Manus O'Donnell.

The nine turbine project has generated over £1.3 million of direct investment in Co Antrim as local firms won contracts with the wind farm.

The farm has also committed to an annual investment fund for the community of £36,000 per year, and a discount scheme for the electricity bills of those living closest to the wind farm.

"The Altaveedan project shows what can be achieved in a low cost, low carbon future for Northern Ireland with a supporting political mandate which allows investment to continue to be attracted her," said Lucy Whitford, RES' Head of Projects for Ireland .