The proposed Magheramore Wind Farm is located within the townlands of Magheramore & Carnanbane, approximately 4 km south of Dungiven.
The proposal is for 6 wind turbines, each up to a maximum tip height of 149.9 m. It is anticipated that the site would be capable of generating approximately 21.6 megawatts (MW) of clean, green and renewable electricity – enough to power more than 22,700 homes* every year.
To refine the design of the site we engaged and consulted with the relevant statutory bodies, organisations and local community on the proposal.
The results of the site investigations, environmental surveys and feedback received through our consultation process are reported in the Environmental Statement which forms part of the planning application. Read more here.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
The site at Magheramore has been selected by RES as a potential site for a wind farm by taking the following into consideration:
- Strong winds - turbines must be situated where the winds blow;
- Planning policy - avoidance of significant affects on areas designated locally, nationally or internationally for landscape, historical, architectural, nature conservation or archaeological interest;
- Appropriate distance from dwellings and other infrastructure;
- Suitability of ground conditions for construction;
- Avoidance of electromagnetic communication systems (e.g. microwave links).
Having met the above criteria, detailed environmental surveys commenced to further investigate the potential of the Magheramore site for a wind farm, and to help shape the eventual layout and design.
As part of a planning application RES is required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (or EIA). Within an EIA, the potential impacts and effects of a development on the following receptors, and the interaction between these factors, are examined and their significance assessed; noise; fauna and flora; soil; water; air; climate; the landscape and visual assessment; material assets; and cultural heritage.
The effects of the project are assessed both individually and cumulatively with other existing and proposed wind farms in the surrounding area.
As a result of the constraints and information gathered through the investigation process, the layout and size of the proposed Magheramore Wind Farm changed several times in order to find a design that maximises energy generation while minimising environmental impacts.
*Final wind farm capacity will vary depending on the outcome of planning permission and the turbine type selected. The 22,700 homes equivalent has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site (based on RES assessments has a predicted capacity factor of 46% - based on a 3.6MW turbine) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) showing that the annual UK average domestic household consumption is 3,828 kWh (2018).