UK outfit Intertek is to carry out physical process modelling for Innogy’s up to 1GW Dublin Array offshore wind farm off the east coast of Ireland.
The modelling, which will be supported by Cooper Marine Advisors, will feed directly into the Environmental Impact Assessment required to secure permits for project approval.
Intertek is modelling the realistic worst-case scenario – the design configuration that presents the most significant impact on the environment – in line with industry best practice.
This will allow the baseline environmental conditions to be determined, against which the effects of the development on the physical – metocean and sedimentological – environment can be assessed.
Intertek energy and water numerical modelling lead Paul Taylor said: “We are delighted to be supporting Innogy on this exciting project.
“Offshore wind is an important part of our sustainable energy future, and the Dublin Array, if approved, will be a key part of Ireland’s ongoing energy transition towards greater renewable-sourced and locally-generated electricity.”
Innogy project manager Gillian Moore said: “It is a pleasure to work with the Intertek team, who bring a range of technical abilities that include extensive experience in numerical modelling and assessment for offshore wind farm development and knowledge of the marine environment to the project.”
The Dublin Array is located approximately 10 km off the east coast of Dublin in water depths ranging from two to 30 metres.
The area surrounding the site is highly designated, with several Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation within the vicinity of the project.