Maximising Wind Turbine Efficiency in Winter

15 December 2023

Northern Ireland’s picturesque landscapes are known for their lush greenery and, notably, their cold winters. For us at 3T Power, specialising in renewable energy and wind turbines, optimising performance during these colder months is not just a preference but a necessity.

Understanding the Challenge:

Cold climates present unique challenges to wind turbine efficiency. As temperatures drop, air density increases, affecting the aerodynamics of turbine blades. Additionally, the risk of icing on blades can reduce their effectiveness. For us at 3T Power, understanding these challenges is the first step toward providing reliable solutions.

Innovative Technologies:

At 3T Power, we are committed to innovation and technology-driven solutions. We continuously research and develop cutting-edge technologies to optimise wind turbine performance in cold climates. This includes specialised blade designs that enhance efficiency in lower temperatures and anti-icing systems that ensure our turbines keep spinning, even in frosty conditions.

Durability and Reliability:

Our wind turbines are built to withstand the harshest of winter conditions. We prioritise durability and reliability, ensuring that our clients can depend on our turbines to generate clean energy consistently, regardless of the season.

In the renewable energy sector, adaptability is key. For 3T Power, harnessing winter winds and maximising wind turbine efficiency in cold climates is not just a challenge; it’s an opportunity to showcase our commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainability. As we continue to lead the way in renewable energy solutions, our clients can be confident that 3T Power turbines will perform optimally, even in the chilliest of Northern Irish winters and beyond.

About O’Neills

3T Power is proud to power the journey of O’Neills Sportswear. O’Neills, founded in 1918, has established itself as a distinguished and respected manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and beyond. Originally starting as a small-scale manufacturer of Gaelic footballs in Dublin, O’Neills has grown into a leading supplier of GAA jerseys, kits, and sportswear. Renowned for its deep roots in Irish sporting culture, O’Neills is synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship, innovation, and a dedication to the sports community.

For generations, O’Neills has been more than just a brand; it’s a part of our local heritage.  At the core of this legacy are the skilled seamstresses, who transform simple yarn into iconic jerseys and sportswear.

Every O’Neills product tells a story of transformation. From spools of plain yarn, a vibrant journey begins These threads are woven, dyed, and stitched to create the infamous sports jerseys that proudly bear the O’Neills mark. This process, steeped in tradition, is also a testament to innovation, especially in how these garments are created with sustainability at their heart.

A Palette of Green: Sustainability in Every Thread

O’Neills’ commitment to the environment mirrors our own at 3T Power. They not only create with an eye for quality but also with a consciousness for the planet. Scraps and offcuts from jersey production find new life, ensuring minimal waste and maximal creativity. This cycle of recycling and repurposing is a crucial step in our shared journey towards a greener future.

Energised by Renewables: 3T Power’s Role

At 3T Power, we’re thrilled to be a part of this story. Our renewable energy solutions power O’Neills’ operations, ensuring that every stitch is infused with clean, green energy. This partnership is more than a business arrangement; it’s a shared vision for a sustainable future, where local businesses lead the way in environmental stewardship.

Get your business switched on with 3T Power:

info@3tpower.com

0333 600 8800

At 3T, we are only ever green. We want to change the way businesses are powered across Northern Ireland and create a sustainable future for all. As a 100% renewable energy company serving the business community in Northern Ireland, we’re not just suppliers; we’re partners in powering progress.

The renewable energy supply sector continues to grow due to the sustained increase in demand from businesses as they begin to use renewable energy to meet the targets set by the Climate Change Act.  

3T Power has over 15 years of industry experience having been innovators within the Northern Ireland renewable energy sector since 2007 and receiving our supply license in 2017. This means as a team we have extensive experience in helping businesses begin their renewable energy journeys. Our client portfolio ranges from hospitality & leisure businesses to large-scale manufacturing companies, with our aim to create a more personal relationship between businesses and their energy suppliers – creating an alternative to the larger utility companies.  

Here’s what makes 3T Power different from other renewable energy suppliers in Northern Ireland: 

 

The only supplier of 100% locally generated electricity in Northern Ireland 

As Northern Ireland’s only supplier of 100% locally generated electricity, we use wind, waves, sun and waste, to deliver renewable energy which benefits local businesses and local energy suppliers. By utilisng the power of renewable electricity generators dotted across the Northern Ireland landscape, we are helping to connect local businesses of varying sizes, industries and energy requirements with clean, green locally generated electricity. This means you know that your business’s renewable energy is coming from within Northern Ireland, therefore you are not susceptible to fluctuating international energy prices. We believe in a greener, more sustainable future and remain confident that this can be achieved by connecting generators across the country with local businesses. 

 

Extensive industry knowledge and experience  

Our team has a deep-rooted understanding of the renewable energy and agricultural sectors within Northern Ireland which has allowed us to provide our clients with the information they need to begin their green energy journey. Our company directors come from an agricultural background and long-term roles within the renewable energy industry which they bring to our close client relationships.  

Their rural upbringings have encouraged an appreciation for the complexity of rural economies in Northern Ireland. Our team’s knowledge and experience has therefore allowed us to create a supply company that not only services the growing demand for renewable electricity but also provides a personal conduit for businesses, delivering best value for generators and consumers.  

 

We provide a relationship-led approach  

We recognise the importance of conveying that as a 3T Power Generator or commercial electricity customer, you are not just a number. With personal connections at the heart of our business, we take a relationship-led approach with our clients and generators. This is why when you become a 3T Power Generator, you can forget about call centres and sitting in long call waiting queues. All our customers will receive a dedicated account manager, which means you can rest assured that there will always be someone to speak to regarding your queries. 

 

Join the green revolution today. Switch your business to 100% locally generated electricity, supplied by 3T Power.  

As the need for businesses to integrate sustainable practices into their daily operations grows, more and more companies across Northern Ireland are choosing to use renewable energy to power their business.  

3T Power is helping businesses join the green revolution and preserve the beauty of the Northern Ireland landscape whilst supporting local economies and helping business to achieve their sustainability goals.  

Here’s why your business should switch to renewable energy with 3T Power:  

Support the local economy by partnering with rural power generators 

By choosing 100% locally generated electricity to power your business, you are not only opting for a sustainable and affordable source of power, you are also promoting economic growth within the local area by supporting local jobs and income streams and diminishing fuel poverty. As the only supplier 100% locally generated electricity in Northern Ireland, partnering with 3T Power can also promote energy independence, drawing reliance away from the extremely volatile overseas oil and gas prices. 

Increasing the amount of locally produced renewable energy capacity is a critical step in Northern Ireland’s pathway to net zero and is a key part of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It is also a fundamental part of meeting the Climate Change Act target of at least 80% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.   

 Improve your brand by incorporating sustainability into your business  

Customers, businesses and stakeholders are increasingly placing an emphasis on changing their energy consumption habits in the hopes of achieving a sustainable future; by choosing locally generated electricity, businesses can have a huge impact in facilitating habitual energy consumption within the local economy. During a time when having as small of an impact on the environment as possible is important, you want to go above and beyond to exceed your target audience’s expectations. Making the choice to use renewable energy over traditional energy forms could be the difference between a client choosing your business or a competitor’s.  

 Prepare your business for the future 

As Northern Ireland pushes to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2050, 3T Power are well-equipped to help local businesses meet their renewable obligations. With future regulations expected to drive businesses to become more sustainable, by joining 3T Power you are getting ahead of the curve by powering your business with renewable energy.  

 

How your business can switch to 3T Power 

Step One- Talk to Us 

If you are considering strengthening your business’s green credentials and making the switch to 3T Power, contact us or give us a call on 0333 600 8800  

Step Two- Get an Offer 

Our sales team will provide you with a quote that reflects your business’s unique requirements and offers a selection of plans and tariff pricing options so you can find the solution that works best for you.  

Step Three- Select a Plan 

Select a plan that is tailored to making your business sustainable, and our team will manage everything for you.  

 

Don’t delay – join the green revolution today by switching your business to 100% locally-generated renewable electricity, supplied by 3T Power. 

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 includes provision for an in-line target for 2040 and a net 48% emissions reduction on the baseline by 2030. To continue the momentum on our journey to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the need for businesses to begin using renewable energy is greater now than ever before. 

The 3T Power team have been innovators in the renewable energy sector within Northern Ireland since 2007, allowing us to gain extensive knowledge surrounding the benefits of renewable energy on local businesses and the environment. Our mission is to create a more personal relationship between businesses and their energy suppliers – creating an alternative to the larger utility companies, and reducing our country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.  

 

Grow the green economy within Northern Ireland by partnering with rural power generators 

Northern Ireland has the potential to develop a leading reputation as an economy with an important energy decarbonisation technology cluster and a proven track record in innovation, delivering energy solutions to achieve local self-sufficiency. As a 100% green energy supplier, we prize local generators who produce clean, green electricity to power our renewable future. We have aggregated generation from a wide range of established and emerging renewable technologies across Northern Ireland to create a strong and growing network spanning the province. You’ve heard of ‘farm to fork’ for restaurants – we can help businesses trace the provenance of their electricity supply, not only ticking boxes to meet important ESG criteria, but going above and beyond to help you show your investment in supporting your local economy and independent business owners working within it. 

 

Using renewable energy will mean reduced carbon emissions  

With 85% of renewable energy in Northern Ireland coming from local wind turbine generation, wind has become one of the safest and cleanest methods for generating electricity. By using wind turbines as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, there will be a significant reduction in carbon emissions and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and our award-winning rural landscapes will be preserved for generations to come. 

Increasing the amount of locally produced renewable energy capacity is a critical step in Northern Ireland’s pathway to net zero and is a key part of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It is also a fundamental part of meeting the Climate Change Act target of at least 80% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.  

 

Improving your environmental credentials and strengthening your brand 

91.2% of businesses in Northern Ireland now regard climate change and sustainability as an important issue. As the need to become more sustainable is becoming more prevalent – not only to stay competitive in your industry, but also to continue to appeal to your savvy customers – switching to local renewable energy can prepare your business for future legislation by gaining preliminary knowledge and experience with renewable energy.  

The benefits of using renewable energy for your business and the surrounding environment are clear to see, with many businesses in Northern Ireland now beginning to integrate renewable energy into their day-to-day practices. If you are considering powering your business with renewable energy, contact us now. 

Through 3T Power’s long-standing partnerships with local energy producers and corporate energy users, we understand that businesses are more conscious now than ever of their need to meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Many businesses are now using the ESG criteria as a framework for assessing corporate sustainability and social responsibility and to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices.

What are ESG factors?

ESG factors are used to evaluate the impact of a company’s operations on the environment, its employees, and its community. As concerns about climate change and social inequality grow, ESG considerations are becoming more important for businesses looking to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. Examples of factors that can be ESG criteria include:

• Energy consumption and efficiency
• Carbon footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions
• Waste management
• Air and water pollution
• Deforestation
• Natural resource depletion

Why is it important for businesses to utilise ESG criteria?

As stated in the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy’s recently published, Northern Ireland Energy Strategy- Path to Net Zero Energy, ‘increasing the amount of locally produced renewable energy capacity is a critical step in Northern Ireland’s pathway to net zero and is a key part of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile global energy prices.’

At 3T Power, our energy is sourced 100% locally. We have brought together independent windfarms and emerging renewable technologies across Northern Ireland to create a growing network of generators who produce clean, green electricity to power our renewable future. Energy consumption and efficiency is a key ESG factor, and by partnering with 3T to power your business you will know exactly what renewable energy source your company is being powered by and where in Northern Ireland the power is being generated. Not only is our power green, by buying power generated off of local owners your company is supporting the local economy.

ESG is now regarded as integral to business, influencing an organisation’s overall strategy and in some cases determining its prospects for success. It has been demonstrated that businesses performing well in terms of ESG experience higher levels of financial growth, increased employee productivity and retention, reduced vulnerability to regulatory fines and sanctions and decreased operational costs, and are more appealing to growingly discerning customers. With many businesses using ESG criteria as a framework for their company practices, using the renewable energy 3T Power provides will show a business’ commitment to sustainable practices and remain compliant with new sustainability rules and regulations.

Contact us to learn more about how 3T Power is partnering with Northern Ireland businesses to help them fulfil their ESG criterion through locally generated sustainable energy.

3T Power, alongside Progress Energy, have entered into a green energy agreement with ABP Linden Foods to provide a circular economy solution that generates renewable electricity from biogas for ABP Linden’s retail site in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

The biogas is generated by Progress Energy in a process using anaerobic digestion of organic waste by-products from two other ABP factories at Newry and Lurgan. The biogas is turned into green electricity for 3T Power who then supplies it to ABP Linden. The arrangement satisfies 100% of ABP Linden retail site’s renewable electricity requirement.

Commenting on the newly forged green energy agreement, Thomas Kelso, Director, 3T Power said, “This collaboration creates a circular economy solution that we are all proud to be part of. The ethos of 3T Power is to support local – particularly rural – economies by pairing local renewable electricity generators with local businesses. Not only does this arrangement support local generators financially and keep money in the local area rather than relying on imported fossil fuels, it also helps to support local businesses in preserving our local landscapes and environments by reducing their carbon emissions. Add in amy more detail you’d like to add.”

Elaine Willis, ABP Linden’s Retail Director added, “We have been sourcing renewable electricity since 2017. This new collaboration with two innovative, local businesses, both with farming roots, takes this a step forward by utilising organic material that is a by-product of meat processing to create a sustainable, circular economy solution right here in our rural community. It also frees up green electricity from the grid for other uses.”

Progress Energy, which is situated in Dromore, County Down, was set up by the farmer Andrew Thompson in 2014 with an investment in a 500kW multi-million-pound anaerobic digestion plant. He commented, “I saw the opportunity to help address Northern Ireland’s decarbonisation challenges with Progress Energy. As a farmer, I am particularly delighted to work with 3T Power and ABP Linden Foods on a circular economy solution in the beef processing sector.”

Established in 2017 by Thomas Kelso, David McElrea and Shauna Forbes, 3T Power have developed long-standing partnerships with local energy producers and corporate energy users which go beyond the traditional customer-supplier relationship due to their over two decades’ experience in the energy and renewables sectors in Northern Ireland. The company aims to provide bespoke, affordable renewable energy solutions to local businesses through its network of locally owned and operated renewable generators which harness the power of wind, rain, sun and waste to help local businesses across a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, corporate and even well-known attractions and venues meet their sustainability needs. Contact us to learn more about how 3T Power is partnering with Northern Ireland businesses to help them meet their sustainability goals through locally generated sustainable energy.

Contact us to learn more about how 3T Power is partnering with Northern Ireland businesses to help them meet their sustainability goals through locally generated sustainable energy.

3T Power has joined with RUAS to announce that the Society will be powered by locally-generated electricity sourced from 3T Power’s collective of independently-owned wind turbines and renewable technologies dotted across Northern Ireland. Announcing their partnership following the Balmoral Show, the RUAS partnership with 3T Power represents a contract valued at up to £150k per annum for the growing renewable energy supplier and a potential carbon reduction of 300 tonnes per year.

By switching to 3T Power, RUAS is also doubling-down on its support of Northern Ireland’s rural economies by working with a company that harnesses the power of renewable electricity generated here in Northern Ireland, primarily by rurally-located wind turbines, and reducing the Society’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Commenting on the newly forged partnership Thomas Kelso, Director, 3T Power said, “We are proud to have been chosen as the renewable electricity supplier of Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. In addition to its annual Balmoral Show, RUAS works year-round to promote agriculture in Northern Ireland, encouraging appreciation for our rural landscapes and traditional industries and economies. As more and more agricultural businesses explore ways to preserve Northern Ireland’s landscape by adopting more sustainable farming practices, RUAS has shown its alignment with the local agricultural community and locally-based owners of independent wind turbine and other renewable technologies which are contributing 100% green electricity to our power grid.”

“The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is delighted to have 3T Power on board as the official energy supplier,” said Theresa Morrissey, Financial & Commercial Director at Royal Ulster Agricultural Society and Eikon Exhibition Centre. “As the Eikon Exhibition Centre is the premier events campus for Northern Ireland, it was important for the Society to seek out a locally generated renewable energy source as the venue wishes to be at the forefront of reducing their carbon footprint in line with their sustainability objectives.”

Established in 2017 by Thomas Kelso, David McElrea and Shauna Forbes, the team behind 3T Power have developed long-standing partnerships with local energy producers and corporate energy users which go beyond the traditional customer-supplier relationship due to their over two decades’ experience in the energy and renewables sectors in Northern Ireland. The company aims to provide bespoke, affordable renewable energy solutions to local businesses through its network of locally owned and operated renewable generators which harness the power of wind, rain, sun and waste to help local businesses across a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, corporate and even well-known attractions and venues meet their sustainability needs.

Contact us to learn more about how 3T Power is partnering with Northern Ireland businesses to help them meet their sustainability goals through locally-generated sustainable energy.

3T Power is expanding its capacity for providing Northern Ireland’s businesses with 100% locally generated renewable electricity through the development of our own wind farm located just outside Belfast.

Until now, 3T Power has has relied on independent generators in order to harness the power of wind electricity generated locally to supply business clients across the province. But with ground-breaking underway at the Ballyutoag site, five wind turbines are planned to become operational by 2023.

The Ballyutoag wind farm project was first initiated back in 2014, with the site at Ligoniel undergoing significant independent assessment for factors including archaeological interest, soil, water and other environmental factors. The project also received positive support from the local community following a public information day in October 2014, held at a local Young Farmers Club. Following significant snags in the project, the team at 3T Power have acquired the site and will see the development through to completion.

As well as providing renewable energy with zero emissions, this wind farm will also provide a year of employment and opportunities to local contractors. The windfarm will house just five wind turbines but will deliver enough energy to power over 8,000 homes or businesses annually, delivering significant impact for its size . 3T Power’s windfarm at Ballyutoag Road will also have the added benefit of reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 14,800 tonnes, a significant amount when considering just one individual in the UK has a carbon footprint of around 10 tonnes.

Commenting on this latest development 3T Power Director Thomas Kelso said, “We have worked steadily to create one of the biggest networks of renewable energy generators in Northern Ireland. We’re proud of the fact that 100% of the electricity we provide to businesses here is home grown and we have supported independent turbine owners through our efforts to harness their electricity output.

“Being able to join our own network of generators as generators ourselves is a step forward that we’re very much looking forward to.

“Wind turbines don’t pollute the air or sea, they don’t require water to cool them and they reduce our need for fossil fuels. Wind energy is also the most cost-effective form of energy bar none. This allows us to meet our customers’ demand for energy that’s both sustainable for the planet and pocket.”

Based on the periphery of Europe, Northern Ireland has few natural fossil fuel deposits of its own. In the past, we have been entirely dependent on fossil fuel imports but with the volatility of the fossil fuel market at an all-time high and continued tensions in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East, the emphasis on utilising clean, natural resources located on our back step has never been so important.

Currently 46% of electricity in Northern Ireland comes from renewable sources, but we are on target for 70% of electricity supplies coming from renewable sources by 2030. Our ‘wee country’ could become a world leader in green energy generation!

3T Power has been at the forefront of the green revolution for businesses in Northern Ireland with 100% of the electricity we supply coming from renewable sources – everything from wind to waves to sun to waste.

Thanks to our network of renewable energy generators, 3T Power provides renewable energy for clients ranging from hospitality to heavy industry, community hubs and even churches.

The move to include generation with supply is just one of the measures being taken by 3T Power to respond to the ever-increasing demand for renewable energy from businesses in Northern Ireland as business owners remain keen not just to reduce their energy costs but also to increase their sustainability credentials.

The windfarm at the Ballyutoag site is expected to be operational in late 2023, in which time those five turbines will join the 3T Power network, growing 3T Power’s potential to supply local businesses with ‘homegrown’ green energy and also continuing to offer the opportunity for business clients to have full traceability of where their electricity is generated, right down to the specific turbine.

If you’re a business or a renewable electricity generator interested in joining Northern Ireland’s green revolution contact 3T Power today.