Ocean Winds has set up a project delivery company and submitted a foreshore application licence application to undertake site investigations for the potential development of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Ireland.
The Cailleach offshore wind farm would be located about 13km from the shore of County Wicklow.
Ocean Winds said the surveys will enable it to “determine the ground conditions and ascertain the metocean conditions on site which will feed into the future design of the wind farm”.
The timeline for the survey programme is designed to ensure that Cailleach is well positioned to bid into upcoming offshore specific RESS auctions.
Cailleach is the first a number of Irish sites that Ocean Winds is examining, and the foreshore licence is required to enable preliminary site investigations to be undertaken, and development potential assessed, the company said.
Ocean Winds chief executive Spyridon Martinis said: “OW has a strong international portfolio and an excellent track-record of bringing projects from concept to construction.
“Ireland has excellent renewable resources, and our background, expertise, strength and experience will allow the Irish economy to make best use of those resources.”
“In June 2019, the Irish government announced their Climate Action Plan, with a target of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with at least 3.5GW of offshore wind. In June this was increased to 5GW.
“We look forward to the opportunity of working in Ireland and maximising the potential of offshore wind technology in a new geography.”
Ocean Winds is a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie.