Corio Generation is halting development of the 450MW Sceirde Rocks project off the west coast of Ireland.
The developer is not moving ahead with the scheme after claims fresh investigations produced results that suggest the site off County Galway is more challenging than expected, it is understood.
The story was first reported by The Currency.
The site investigations are understood to show that the project, which already features tough rocky seabed conditions, is also affected by severe wave and currents.
Sources pointed out to reNEWS that many of the challenges were known for what is considered the toughest of the Phase 1 schemes.
Corio had been exploring gravity base foundations, similar to the ones at the Fecamp project off France (pictured), to unlock the project. It also holds an ORESS 1 contract.
A spokesman declined to comment. The Currency reported Corio is in talks with Energy Department DECC over next steps.
The company this week began a major restructuring effort after parent Macquarie failed to find a buyer.
“Given challenging market conditions in the offshore wind sector, Corio Generation is refocusing its global operations to prioritise the development of a smaller portfolio of projects which have the clearest route through to construction,” it said.