Bord Gáis today announced that it has purchased a 30MW windfarm development in the West of Ireland. The total investment in the windfarm will be about €50 million and it is expected to be operational in 2011.

Dave Kirwan, Director of Investments at Bord Gáis, said: “The purchase of this windfarm reflects the strategy of Bord Gáis to develop and build a diverse portfolio of assets within the Irish energy sector. We hold about 8% of the electricity market in Ireland and plan to grow that share significantly. The addition of this windfarm to our power generation portfolio will support our plans to offer competitive, dual-fuel, sustainable offerings to current and new customers.”

Earlier this year, Bord Gáis announced that it had earmarked €1 billion for investment in new business areas. The company is currently building a 445MW gas-fired power plant at Whitegate in Co. Cork, costing around €400 million, and is actively pursuing other power generation development opportunities, both conventional and renewable.