Belgian developer Parkwind and Irish utility ESB have agreed a deal to collaborate on two offshore wind farms that total 800MW-plus off the coast of the latter’s home market.
The Dublin power company will take a 35% stake in the proposed 330MW Oriel wind farm off County Louth, which is being led by Parkwind. Talks between the two parties over the project were first reported in subscriber-only reNEWS last year.
Oriel is due online in the 2020s, subject to securing a route to market via the country’s new support scheme known as RESS.
For its part, Parkwind is taking a 35% stake in ESB’s early-stage up to 500MW Clogherhead project, also off Louth.
The wind farm is expected to enter planning in the coming years.
Irish Energy Minister Richard Bruton said the announcement is a “significant” one for the country’s offshore wind ambitions.
“I am determined to make Ireland a leader in climate action. Renewable energy is critical to this ambition. With a sea area almost ten times the size of its landmass, Ireland has very significant offshore wind capacity and this partnership is a testament to our potential in this area,” he said.
Parkwind co-chief executive Francois Van Leeuw added: “This partnership is driven by the strategy of the company which is based on a long-term vision whereby we not only develop, but also operate our projects.”
ESB chief executive Pat O’Doherty added: “Today’s announcement represents a significant investment by ESB in offshore wind, which we anticipate will account for the bulk of Ireland’s future zero carbon electricity.
“Our collaboration with internationally respected developers such as Parkwind in the delivery of the Oriel and Clogherhead projects underscores our commitment to further involvement in the development and construction of offshore wind farms in both Ireland and the UK.”