Irish IKEA stores to run on wind power

Furniture retailer IKEA is to take part in the purchase of a wind farm in Carrickenny, Leitrim – and plans to use the electricity generated to run its stores in Dublin and Belfast.

The Carrickenny-based wind farm – which will consist of four turbines and will have a capacity of 7.65 megawatts – is expected to be ready for use in 2014.

It will generate enough electricity to power 5,500 houses annually and is currently under construction by Mainstream, a company that concentrates on sustainability projects.

Under a 15 year contract, IKEA will sell the generated electricity to energy supply company Vayu which will then provide the necessary power to the Swedish company’s Irish branches.

Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability IKEA UK and Ireland said the company’s investment in renewable energy will help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from their Irish operations and help to control IKEA’s electricity costs.

“Companies, individuals or governments – we all have responsibility to address the resource dilemma and commit to a more sustainable future,” she said.

“Producing our own, affordable, renewable electricity gets us one step closer to becoming completely energy independent by 2020, while ensuring our commercial success.”

Source : Independent.ie
www.independent.ie/business/ikea-invests-in-new-wind-farm-that-will-generate-electricity-for-its-stores-29491977.html