Irish utility ESB and partner Equinor are pursuing an up to 1500MW Moneypoint floating offshore wind farm off Ireland’s south-west coast.
The companies, which are working together on offshore wind in the market, are exploring a first phase of 400MW 16km off counties Clare and Kerry as well as a second 1.1GW array, as first reported by subscriber-only reNEWS on 4 March.
It is understood that the projects, if consented and built, would connect into the substation at the Moneypoint coal power plant, which is due to shut down in 2025.
A foreshore licence application has been submitted to authorities to carry out site investigations.
Clare Independent TD (MP) Michael McNamara said the proposed development is an important signal for the nascent Irish sector. Deputy McNamara said he expects the ESB to outline its plans tomorrow.
“Over the past year, I have been critical of the Government in the Dáil for seeking to source power from offshore energy projects in Europe at a time when no similar projects were being advanced by our government. I am delighted that moves are now expected to be made to develop our own offshore energy sector utilising the existing transmission network from Moneypoint,” said McNamara.
“Moneypoint is situated on the coast, on the Shannon Estuary. It has two large electricity transmission networks that leave it and cross the country in arcs, one going to the north of Dublin and the other to the south of Dublin.
“It is, essentially, irreplaceable in terms of the national network. It is perfectly placed for the development of an offshore wind energy project, and for helping Ireland fulfil its renewable energy commitments.”