The ESB is expanding its green energy portfolio, with plans to build its first windfarm in the North at a cost of €40 million.

ESB International (ESBI) will start construction on the development on farmland at Crockagarran near Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone, within months. Planning permission and grid connection have been secured for the windfarm, which will supply 18megawatts of electricity from six large wind-turbine generators.

By 2010, it aims to be generating enough electricity to power 10,500 homes. Michael Mc Nicholas, executive director of ESBI, said the project was a ‘‘significant investment in wind technology’’, reflecting the ESB’s move to invest in renewable energy.