The EDF Renewables and Fred Olsen Seawind joint venture developing the up 1500MW Codling offshore wind farm off Ireland have hired Cian Conroy as supply chain manager.
Conroy (pictured), a Galway native now based in Dublin, joined the team in December and brings over 14 years’ experience working in a variety of business and supply chain development roles in the global offshore wind and renewables industry.
During an 11-year stint in the UK – in roles with Scottish Enterprise, The Crown Estate Round Three and the UK government’s Catapult research programme.
He was directly involved in supporting businesses to build their capabilities and creating partnerships between offshore wind companies, government, and business to strengthen the UK’s indigenous supply chain.
He has spent the last three years in Ireland, supporting offshore wind developments in Europe, Asia and the US.
Conroy said: “I was fortunate to become involved in offshore wind in the UK at a really exciting time – when the industry was really beginning to take off.
“There was huge interest among UK businesses, of all sizes, to become involved in offshore wind, but they needed support.
“Many had relevant skills and experience from the oil and gas industry, while others were completely new to the energy sector.
“In all instances, a partnership approach – between projects, support agencies and the businesses themselves – delivered the best results.
“I’m delighted to be back home working on a flagship Irish project at an equally exciting time for offshore wind here.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know businesses all over the country and to working with relevant training and support agencies, in Wicklow and nationally, to see how we can maximise Irish involvement in the Codling Wind Park supply chain.”
Codling Wind Park project director Arno Verbeek said: “This is a really important appointment, for Codling Wind Park and for the nascent offshore wind industry in Ireland.
“We are keen to maximise the involvement of Irish companies as the project progresses and increase the visibility of opportunities available.
“Like Cian, I have seen at first hand in other markets how successful this can be, but it takes time and effort and now is the right time for us to start this.”
Initiatives to support supply chain engagement and development are being planned for the months ahead and details of these will be made available on the project’s website, as well as through other channels.
Subject to all necessary permits and consents being received, Codling could begin construction in 2024/2025, and is expected to take two to three years to complete.