Wind Energy
QUINN-energy own and operate 67.5 MW of renewable wind energy through 2 windfarms - Slieve Rushen (54MW), Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh and Snugborough (13.5 MW), near Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan. In 1994, QUINN-energy completed its first windfarm development on Slieve Rushen mountain. This development consisted of ten 0.5MW wind turbines and was one of the first in the region. In 2008, the original turbines were replaced by modern 3MW machines and the site was extended, bringing the total capacity to 54MW. The Snugborough development, commissioned in 2004 comprises nine 1.5MW machines.
As a large user of electricity within its manufacturing base, the QUINN-group recognised the potential of green energy at an early stage. Both windfarms nestle behind the core manufacturing base of the Group.
This use of renewable resources has ensured that QUINN-group are able to fuel their core manufacturing base in an environmentally positive and sustainable manner. The combined output of current wind farms is sufficient to support the electricity requirements of approximately 40,000 homes.
Electricity Generation from Landfill Gas
QUINN-energy has recently installed a Landfill Gas Generator at their Lisbane Landfill site, Tandragee, Co. Armagh. This will feed approximately 500kw of electricity to the national grid. Landfill Gas, which is produced naturally through the waste decomposition process, is extracted through a series of wells and is used to fuel the Landfill Gas Generator. It produces electricity at 415v and is stepped up via the dedicated transformer to 11kV. This is then fed to the NIE grid via a new connector.
This plays an important role in the fight against climate change, as methane (which is the primary constituent of Landfill Gas), has 21 times the greenhouse gas potential of CO2.
In June 2007, EDINA was awarded the contract for the full turnkey project for the Landfill Gas Utilisation Plant. The contract included the design, supply, installation, test and commissioning of the generator (producing an electrical output of 537 kw with an electrical efficiency of 41%), flare and blower unit, associated transformer and switchgear. All of the equipment supplied is containerised and designed for external use. Being modular the site can be easily expanded or the equipment can be moved to another suitable location. After a construction period of 11 months, the new plant was commissioned in May 2008 and is the first and currently, the only Landfill Gas Utilisation Plant in Northern Ireland. It is programmed to operate 24 hours a day, everyday.
This project is unique in itself in the fact that Landfill Gas Generation Units are normally only used at closed sites as opposed to those which are still operational.
