Energia has opened the first phase of public consultation on a proposed offshore wind project in the North Celtic Sea.
The project is proposed to be located at a minimum of 10 km and up to 25 km off the coast of Waterford, in the Republic of Ireland.
The North Celtic Sea project aims to decarbonise Ireland’s energy supply, reduce emissions and help it to achieve 2030 climate action and offshore wind energy targets.
This early public consultation takes place from 22 September to 29 October and is the first in a series of opportunities for the public to meet the project team and learn about the North Celtic Sea project.
An online exhibition room is open at www.northcelticseawind.ie which includes survey area maps, indicative photo illustrations, a project timeline, and other information on the project and Energia’s engagement with local and fishing communities.
Irish energy provider and long-term infrastructure investor Energia supplies approximately 20% of all electricity on the island of Ireland to over 823,000 homes and businesses.
Energia is responsible for providing electricity from approximately 25% of all wind power on the island.
Eoin McPartland, offshore renewables manager at Energia, said: “We recognise that many Irish coastal communities around our shores are coming to terms with offshore wind farm developments for the first time.
“Coastal communities in other countries following progressive decarbonisation agendas are already experiencing some of the local benefits that can arise from this type of development in the green economy.
“As a leading Irish energy provider, we are committed to ensuring all areas of the local economy can thrive in parallel with this development.”
The project team is undertaking offshore and onshore studies to help determine site suitability and to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and design process.
Further periods of consultation will take place over the coming 18 months to share progress on the project.
Energia has also applied to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, for a foreshore licence to carry out surveys for this project.
This application is at an advanced stage and a licence is expected soon.
The licence will be a key milestone for the project and will enable it to progress alongside a small number of other projects that are capable of contributing to Ireland’s 2030 target.
It is anticipated that a planning application for the North Celtic Sea project could be made in 2023 with a planning decision in 2024.