A new review has revealed that Ireland’s Shannon Estuary could become a major international floating offshore wind energy hub.
The review of the Shannon Foynes Port Company’s Vision 2041 masterplan by Bechtel explains how the deep waters of the Shannon Estuary could facilitate the deployment of floating offshore wind at scale.
The report identifies the numerous advantages of the Shannon Estuary, including its 500sq km of deep water, its 1,400ha of zoned Strategic Development Locations and, particularly, its proximity to the Atlantic’s abundant offshore wind resources.
It recommends the establishment of four core facilities on the Shannon Estuary to support the delivery of floating offshore wind at scale. These are turbine integration and pre-commissioning at Foynes Deepwater Port; substructure assembly at Moneypoint; wet storage at various locations within the Estuary; and an Operations & Maintenance base at the Port of Foynes.
CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Pat Keating said: “This report comes at a critical moment, and we are delighted to have Bechtel supporting us. This is a roadmap for what is required to deliver the unique floating offshore wind opportunity that exists for this region, Ireland and, indeed, Europe because of the unique confluence of assets here on the Estuary and west coast.
“The mix of our world-class wind resources and the natural infrastructure, not least our deep sheltered waters, for a global manufacturing and industry base adds up to what is an unprecedented opportunity that we must capitalise on urgently to address climate change.
“To fully unlock these significant opportunities there are national policies in several sectors that require updating. Examples include more clarity and urgency around energy policy, enduring regime, alternative fuels and wider economic and social policies.”