A major offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland has been scaled back in size to minimise impact on other marine activities.
First Flight Wind, a consortium of DONG Energy, B9 Energy and RES, said the project is likely to be reduced to between 300MW-400MW, down from the initial 600MW plan.
It said the move, which follows consultations with local communities and stakeholders, “would minimise potential impacts on some existing activities including shipping and commercial fisheries”.
When operational, the wind farm is expected to produce 10% of Northern Ireland’s energy needs – half of what was previously thought.
Michael Harper from First Flight Wind said: “It has always been our intention to develop an offshore project that works alongside other marine users such as shipping and fishing. Throughout the process we are seeking to take into account the concerns of local stakeholders as we consider where to locate the project and how to design it.”
The project has yet to secure planning consent.