Ocean Winds and Bord na Móna have launched an offshore wind partnership to develop projects in Ireland.
The long-term agreement will see the developers co-own, identify and develop offshore wind energy opportunities around the coast of Ireland.
The cooperation was first revealed in April by subscriber-only reNEWS.
The joint venture initially incorporates two potential projects, Réalt na Mara, off the coast of Dublin and Wicklow, and Celtic Horizon, off the coast of Wexford and Waterford. Engagement on both projects with local communities, stakeholders and the fishing industry is underway.
The projects have the potential to generate up to 2.3GW of clean and renewable electricity to power up to 2.1 million homes by 2030.
By reducing Ireland’s reliance on gas and oil it will also help safeguard Irish communities from global energy price fluctuations.
This offshore wind joint venture will specifically support Ireland achieve target of 7GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Varadkar said: “The Irish Government recognises our geographic and climate advantages in terms of wind energy and is delivering public policy proposals to support this.
This joint venture is a momentous step towards our commitment to produce most of our electricity “from renewable sources – up to 80% – by 2030.
“It also marks a new chapter in Bord na Móna’s 90-year history in supplying energy to local communities across the island.
“I welcome Ocean Winds’ international expertise and record of accomplishment in supporting Ireland to increase its offshore wind capacity. I look forward to seeing the fruits of this partnership in delivering a secure, sustainable, and cost-effective energy future for Ireland.”
Also speaking at the launch, Grzegorz Gorski, COO of Ocean Winds said, “Ocean Winds is delighted to announce this joint venture today with Bord na Móna which we believe is the perfect pairing of our international expertise with Bord na Móna’s long history working in local communities in Ireland.
“We look forward to forging a long-term relationship with Bord na Móna to support Ireland in its bid to harness its natural wind resources for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.”
He added: “By working closely with local stakeholders OW aims to bring together communities and to support their development through ongoing engagement and investment with more than a decade’s experience, OW has a strong track record of using our strength as global leaders in the renewables sector to create opportunities for local companies who want to expand and diversify into the emerging offshore wind sector.”
Bord na Móna Chief Executive Tom Donnellan added: “Today we are making a giant leap forward towards energy independence for Ireland.
“Bord na Móna has always been a cornerstone of Irish energy security.
“We have been developing renewable energy infrastructure since the early 1990s working with communities to deliver a range of lasting local and regional benefits.
“Ocean Winds bring an incredible wealth of experience in developing and delivering offshore energy from around the globe.
“Together we will ensure that Ireland’s vast untapped reservoir of offshore energy will be harnessed for the good of Irish society, the economy and the planet.
“The projects we will develop will be of such a large scale that Ireland will be able to rely on Irish energy sources and massively reduce dependence on foreign pollutants including gas and oil.”