Parkwind targets Irish Sea

Belgian company Parkwind has agreed a deal to become a strategic partner in the 330MW Oriel offshore wind farm off County Louth, Ireland.

The developer said the country has “vast offshore wind energy potential” that is “about to be developed in the coming decade”. Dublin is considering a new support mechanism for renewables that could include the sector.

Oriel project director Peter Caluwaerts said it is the partnership’s “ambition” to “finalise” construction of the project in 2020 to assist the country to meet its renewable electricity targets.

“To achieve such an ambitious timeline, we will immediately invest in the development of the wind farm and set up a full-scale project team, consisting of our own experienced people from Parkwind on the one hand and dedicated Irish professionals on the other hand,” he said.

Oriel Wind Farm founder Brian Britton said “several” developers were interested in acquiring a stake in the project.

“Our choice for Parkwind is driven by the strong track record and values the company stands for. We believe that Parkwind can bring in the necessary knowledge and pioneering spirit to bring this project to a successful end,” he said.

Parkwind co-chief exexutive François Van Leeuw said the company has a “firm ambition” to grow internationally.

“After the successful development and construction of 550MW in the North Sea, we were able to shift our focus quickly to evolve from an experienced but strictly Belgian to an international player in the offshore wind industry,” he said.

“The challenge and opportunity of realising the first offshore wind farm in Ireland matches perfectly with our entrepreneurial and solution driven company culture.”

Image: reNEWS