EDF Renewables Ireland has entered a partnership with Simply Blue Group to develop the Western Star and Emerald floating wind projects. The team-up is subject to a merger clearance expected in the coming months.
The 50:50 joint venture partners will now seek to progress the two developments to meet Irish government targets to have 2GW of floating wind in development by 2030.
The Western Star floating wind project will be located at least 35km off the west coast of Clare in waters over 100m deep and have a total capacity of up to 1.35GW. The Emerald Floating Wind site, off the south coast of Cork, will have a total capacity of up to 1.3GW. The two projects will generate enough electricity to power approximately two million Irish homes.
The partnership underlines the confidence of EDF Renewables and Simply Blue Group in the Irish market, underpinned by the Irish government’s commitment to generate 7GW of electricity from offshore wind by 2030. Both parties see great potential in the scale of opportunity for floaters in Ireland off the south and west coasts.
“We are very pleased to sign the partnership on these two exciting floating offshore wind projects,” said chief executive of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland Matthieu Hue.
“Emerald and Western Star will complement our flagship, fixed-bottom foundation, Codling Wind Park development off the east coast of Ireland, diversifying our offshore portfolio in Ireland and strengthening our position as a key player in the Irish and UK offshore markets.
“These projects further strengthen EDF Renewables’ position as a leading global player in the emerging floating wind industry, joining a portfolio that includes our Gwynt Glas project in the Celtic Sea and Provence Grand Large off the south coast of France.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Simply Blue Group to deliver on the two projects’ great potential to make a significant contribution to the Irish Government’s renewable energy goals.”
Chief executive of Simply Blue Group Sam Roch Perks said: “Simply Blue are delighted to partner with EDF Renewables to deliver these strategic assets and to deliver Ireland’s first floating offshore wind farms.
“As an international renewable energy company, EDF Renewables are major players in the energy transition worldwide, ensuring alignment with Simply Blue’s culture and commitment to making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity and coastal communities.
“Simply Blue’s expertise in floating offshore wind, with over 10GW of floating projects in development globally, has been brought to bear on the selection of the two sites, following extensive stakeholder engagement and initial environmental assessments.”
Director of Offshore and Ireland at EDF Renewables Ryanne Burges said: “Western Star and Emerald add to EDF Renewables UK and Ireland’s growing portfolio of offshore wind projects. This includes the operational Blyth and Teesside offshore wind farms in England, Neart na Gaoithe which is currently under construction off the coast of Scotland, and Codling Wind Park which was recently successful in Ireland’s first ever offshore wind energy auction.”
Project managing director for Emerald and Western Star Val Cummins added: “The partnership is ideally placed to deliver for Phase 3 of offshore wind in Ireland. This is key to kick-starting floating offshore wind, which will have a transformational positive impact on Ireland’s maritime and energy landscape, including the coastal communities in Cork and Clare.”