CARRICK ENERGY IS BLOWING IN THE WIND!

4 Nov 2009

Wind power is the way forward for a Carrick school committed to reducing its carbon footprint! Ulidia Integrated College has installed a 5kW Iskra wind turbine beside the playing fields, which will help reduce the school’s energy costs.

Funded by the NIE Smart Programme, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and the school itself, the wind turbine will generate up to 9000 units of environmentally friendly electricity every year, a saving of around £1,000 on the school’s energy bills. For every unit of renewable electricity generated, the school will not only save on buying electricity, they will also be paid for Renewable Obligation Certificates.

NIE Energy’s Jenny Boyd lives in Carrickfergus and she visited the school this week to see the new turbine in action. She is delighted to see more renewable energy installations in the town. “Carrick people have always embraced energy saving technologies and I’m pleased to see Ulidia Integrated College is one of the first schools in Northern Ireland to install a wind turbine as part of NIE’s Wind For Schools initiative. Northern Ireland has great potential for wind generation and the very visible turbine at Ulidia College is a great reminder to pupils, teachers and parents that we all have a part to play in safeguarding our environmental future.”

In recent years, schools have become enthusiastic adopters of renewable energy, demonstrating a range of sustainable energy solutions such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal. The NIE Smart programme recently part funded the installation of solar photovoltaic panels and renewable energy street lights at over 40 schools across Northern Ireland and it is hoped that more schools will consider renewable energy as part of their energy mix in the future.

Ulidia Principal, Eugene Martin says the school is committed to saving energy. He says, “We felt that it was extremely important to set an example to our pupils and the local community by embracing a renewable ‘clean’ energy. Our school is ideally suited to a wind turbine and it was very easy to construct. We will also install a display highlighting the amount of electricity being generated and the amount of CO2 saved.”

Ulidia Integrated College, which is currently working towards Green Flag Eco School status, has focused on minimising its impact on the environment by embracing energy saving and water, phone, paper and cartridge recycling throughout the school. The school’s Eco Clubs are also working on the creation of an eco friendly Christmas tree and decorations from recycled materials. Mr Martin adds, “The wind turbine and all the energy and resource saving measures at the school are an inspiration to all pupils, staff and parents to think about conserving energy at school, at work and at home.”

To find out more about saving energy and renewable energy solutions for your home, school or business check out the NIE Energy website www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk . NIE Smart is funded by Northern Ireland Electricity and managed by NIE Energy.

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