B9 Energy Offshore, DONG Energy and RES Offshore ceased development on the First Flight Wind project in December 2014.
This is an historical record only which will remain online until 28 September 2015.
The offshore wind farm will supply electricity to Northern Ireland consumers by connecting to the Northern Ireland electricity transmission network, ‘the grid’. Where environmentally feasible, we aim to bury the electricity connection cables underground.
Where will the project connect to the grid?
Since project launch, we have been working with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) to identify potential options for connecting the project to the grid. The final option will take into account environmental, consenting and commercial factors, as well as the results of grid technical studies. We are focussing on two preferred options, connecting to existing substations at Ballynahinch and Castlereagh. Additional infrastructure that is likely to be required is illustrated below:
Once preferred sites and routes for this infrastructure have been identified, engagement with stakeholders will take place before environmental surveys and studies are carried out. This onshore work will take approximately two and a half years, and we intend to submit an application for the onshore electrical system together with the application for the offshore wind farm in 2016. Discover more about our onshore work in our Questions section.
