Energia Renewables and Vargronn have partnered to advance offshore wind projects in Ireland, with the potential to deliver up to 1800MW of capacity by 2030.
The Irish renewables-focused integrated utility and Norwegian joint venture between Plenitude (Eni) and HitecVision will co-develop projects that can contribute to the Irish government’s target of at least 5GW of new offshore wind by 2030, initially.
The partnership will initially focus on Ireland’s south and east coasts, where Energia Renewables has already completed extensive development work over the last four years at a North Celtic Sea site (with capacity of up to 900MW) and a South Irish Sea site (with capacity of up to 900MW).
Across the projects, seabed surveys have been completed, almost three years of aerial data on birds and mammals has been collected, and detailed preparations for the environmental impact assessments have commenced.
Engagement programmes with local fisheries and communities are also in place.
The preparatory work positions both these projects to be capable of being operational by 2030, subject to government policy.
“We look forward to working closely with Vargronn and to combining our experience of developing renewable energy projects in Ireland with Vargronn’s extensive offshore wind expertise and supply chain relationships,” said Energia Group chief executive Ian Thom.
“Through the development work completed to date, our partnership is uniquely placed to deliver new offshore capacity on the south and east coasts by 2030, and in so doing, make a significant contribution to Ireland’s offshore wind targets.”
Vargronn chief executive Olav Hetland added: “Having strong local expertise is critical to successfully delivering projects that provide affordable power at scale and speed while contributing to local jobs creation.
“Energia’s long-standing local presence and track record with delivering a wide range of onshore renewable energy projects in Ireland, therefore makes them an ideal partner for us.”