Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG) has acquired the 400MW Skerd Rocks offshore wind farm off the west coast of Ireland from Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta.
The project has been designated as one of seven ‘Relevant Status’ developments by Ireland’s Department of Environment Climate Action and Communications, which positions the Skerd Rocks development to be in the first wave of offshore wind projects in Ireland for delivery by 2030.
The deal was first reported in this morning’s subscriber-only edition of reNEWS.
GIG said it is committed to working with local suppliers wherever possible to support employment and investment opportunities across the region.
In line with the requirements of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, the development will also establish a Community Benefit Fund that will be available to community initiatives in South Connemara over a 15-year period.
Development work on the project is expected to continue for a number of years and members of the FST team will continue to support and advise the project.
Skerd Rocks will be GIG’s first offshore wind investment in Ireland.
FST director Joe Lee said: “We are delighted to have attracted a developer of the quality of Green Investment Group to the Sceirde Rocks project.
“This project will be the largest ever infrastructure project in Connemara and will position Galway as a leader in Ireland’s new green energy economy.
“In order to achieve that, it was vital that we brought in the financial and technical capabilities that GIG can deliver.
“Our team has been rooted in Connemara from day one.
“We have had exceptional support from the local community, and from agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, and look forward to continuing these relationships with GIG.”
GIG project director Seamus McCabe said: “The Sceirde Rocks project is set to be a flagship development for the West of Ireland, which is home to one of the best wind resources in the world.
“It offers an exciting opportunity to launch a new industry along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, supporting a range of jobs and creating economic opportunities that will bring people back to Connemara.
“We are delighted to be working with the FST team and look forward to engaging with the local community to take Sceirde Rocks on the next phase of its journey.”