A wind farm which could supply electricity to about 170,000 homes in Northern Ireland moved a step closer today when a consortium was chosen to explore the possibilities of starting generation off the north coast.
The number of houses it could supply amounts to 28 per cent of all homes in the North.
The British Crown Estate announced it was issuing an exclusive agreement with the consortium formed by B9 Energy Offshore Developments, Renewable Energy Systems and Powergen Renewables Developments to explore the potential for an offshore wind farm on the Tunes Plateau.
The site, about three miles from shore in the mouth of the River Foyle in Co Derry, is capable of hosting up to 60 turbines.
If the exploration is successful, work on constructing the wind farm could start in 2005.
If the consortium obtains the necessary consents from Northern Ireland government departments by June next year, the Crown Estate will issue it with a 50 year lease.
Welcoming the agreement, Sir Reg Empey, Stormont Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment said the agreement was the beginning of a thorough exploration into the technical and environmental impact of the offshore wind farm.
Sir Reg said it was an important project in the overall strategy to develop a sustainable energy system for the province.
The consortium was chosen after a tender process which started in February.
PA