ESB is a diversified, vertically integrated utility, majority owned by the Irish Government. ESB operates right across the electricity market in Ireland and the UK: from generation, through transmission and distribution to supply.
Parkwind is a Belgian offshore wind energy company with significant international experience in developing and operating offshore wind projects, with a pipeline of over 1.8GW in operation and under development.
Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm will be the second project to be developed by the ESB and Parkwind partnership following on from the nearby Oriel Wind Farm Project, www.orielwindfarm.ie.
Winds are stronger and more consistent offshore than onshore and there is greater potential to install larger turbines at sea relative to onshore. The combination of high wind speeds and larger turbines allow for greater energy generation. Not only will an offshore wind farm generate more energy, it will generate clean energy on a more consistent basis. This makes it easier for the grid operator to integrate this renewable electricity source.
The Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan has set ambitious targets for decarbonisation of the energy sector by 2030 with a plan to deliver at least 3GW of offshore wind by that date. The subsequent Programme for Government increased that 2030 target to 5GW. Ireland has the potential to utilise its vast offshore wind resources to deliver on these targets and to benefit from the significant reduction in the cost of offshore wind as seen throughout Northern Europe in recent years.
In order to obtain authorisation for the proposed offshore wind farm Clogherhead Offshore Wind DAC will be required to apply to the relevant Minister and the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for a Maritime area consent (MAC). If such an application is successful, Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm will be granted a MAC, conditional on securing planning permission from a coastal planning authority or An Bord Pleanála. Requirements in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and in respect of Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the Habitats Directive will be fulfilled in the processing of the application for planning permission.
Ireland has excellent offshore wind conditions, and the relatively shallow waters off the east coast of Ireland make it suitable for fixed foundation offshore wind projects. Following positive indications from high level desktop studies as well as ESB and Parkwind experience in this area of the Irish Sea; the foreshore licence applications were made. The foreshore licence areas cover a large area of seabed which will be substantially refined following environmental and engineering surveys as well as extensive consultation with local coastal communities, to include both fishing and other maritime area users.
The target development area for the Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm is a substantial distance from shore, with nearest turbines expected to be located in excess of 10km from shore.
There will be numerous opportunities to get involved throughout the development and lifetime of the project. From making an observation on the consent applications, to helping to shape our community fund, we welcome your involvement throughout the entire process. Community and public consultation opportunities will be taking place over the coming months and will be the first such opportunity to engage in dialogue with us.
In the meantime, we welcome questions, comments or indeed requests for further information. Please feel free to contact our Community Liaison Officer at:
Email Community Liaison officer at: info@clogherheadwind.ie
Email Fisheries Liaison Officer at: FLO@clogherheadwind.ie
Or by post:
Clogherhead Offshore Wind Farm
The Mill Enterprise Centre
Newtown Link Road
Greenhills, Drogheda
Co. Louth
A92 CD3D
