The joint venture Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (FST), a partnership between Corio Generation and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, has submitted a planning consent application for the Sceirde Rocks Windfarm.
Situated off Ireland's west coast, this proposed project marks a significant milestone as the first offshore windfarm for the region, adding to five other offshore wind projects located along the eastern coastline. The Sceirde Rocks Windfarm is one of four projects selected by the Irish government in the inaugural offshore wind auction held in May 2023.
FST has completed comprehensive geophysical and metocean surveys, which have informed the planning application now being submitted. The project proposes the installation of 30 wind turbines, generating a total of 450MW of offshore wind energy. These turbines will be positioned between 5 and 12 kilometres from the nearest point of land. According to Corio, the Sceirde Rocks Windfarm will generate enough electricity to power 350,000 homes and deliver €3.5 million annually to local community initiatives for the next 20 years.
Image Source: Sceirde Rock Windfarm Website
Head of Ireland at Corio, Tim Coffey said “Sceirde Rocks Windfarm is a landmark project for County Galway and for the nation of Ireland. As the first offshore wind project proposed for Ireland’s west coast it can pave the way for major long-term investment in green energy technology and infrastructure in the west of the country – boosting local economies, supporting the energy transition and helping rural and coastal communities to thrive”,
Construction is expected to begin as early as next year, contingent upon receiving planning consent, with the first electricity expected to be generated by 2030.
For further details about the project, or arising opportunities in Ireland, please reach out to a member of our team here.
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