Dundalk’s Iconic Turbine Turns 10!

The WhiteLight Consulting team are delighted to work, once again, with Dundalk Institute of Technology.

After the massive success of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Regional Development Centre, this year the iconic turbine on campus at DkIT celebrates 10 years a turning. Hard to believe that 10 years has flown so fast.

When Larry Staudt of DkIT first mooted the idea of building a wind turbine to power the Dundalk Institute of Technology campus it seemed like a pipedream. 10 years on, the wind turbine has become an iconic landmark of the town and a vital source of power for the Institute.

“The turbine is a credit to the people of Dundalk. When we first suggested it, they came, they examined the plans, they listened with interest and not one single objection was lodged. Since then, the people of Dundalk have taken the turbine to their hearts and talk about it with great pride” explained DkIT President Denis Cummins.

With that in mind, local people are invited to a free open evening on Tuesday 17^th November at 7.00pm to learn more and help them celebrate the turbine turning 10 years old.

Ray Byrne of the Centre for Renewable Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology (www.credit.ie) continued “Normally turbines are located high up on hillsides as part of wind farms. Our turbine is easily accessible here on campus which helps make wind energy part of everyday life. People travel from far and wide to visit the turbine and we are always delighted to field questions from the public. We are looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors on 17^th November so that they can learn more about the turbine and get up close to see it in person.”

DkIT was the first educational institute in Ireland to have a turbine on site and, at 86m tall, it is still one of the largest urban turbines in the republic of Ireland. The project was positively supported by Louth County Council and many other organisations across the region. The total cost of the installation was €1.127m, which included a vital capital grant of 40% from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The energy generated by the turbine saves DkIT €130,000 per annum and so the capital investment was paid back in less than 9 years.

“It’s not just about generating energy. Education is a critical function of the turbine. It is a vital source of factual information for students studying the Masters in Renewable Energy. Primary and secondary school groups are always welcome to come and learn how wind energy is generated. We also have an open door policy to assist companies thinking about investing in a wind turbine to power their business.” Ray concluded.

The open evening is free to attend and there is no need to book in advance. Just come along to DkIT on Tuesday 17^th November at 7.00pm.

The open evening is just the start of the 10 year celebrations that will highlight the past, present and future of Dundalk’s elegant and iconic wind turbine.