Floating offshore wind developer the Simply Blue Group has appointed Captain Brian FitzGerald (pictured) as director of external affairs and stakeholder liaison in Ireland.
He will represent the company, focusing on the Emerald and Western Star portfolios, as exemplars in community engagement and trust building.
The Simply Blue Group announced a JV with Shell earlier this year.
This will see the development of the Emerald floating wind farm off the Cork coast in the vicinity of the Kinsale gas field, which is currently being decommissioned.
The Simply Blue Group is also developing the Western Star floating wind and wave project off West Clare.
Having served at sea all around Ireland for much of his career, Capt. FitzGerald brings additional sea-borne perspectives to Simply Blue.
His love of the sea, desire to protect Ireland’s maritime interests and his extensive career experience, make him an excellent fit for its external relations and stakeholder liaison role, the company said.
Capt. FitzGerald said: “Simply Blue offers the opportunity to address the challenge of climate change and energy security, by harnessing the abundance of offshore wind and wave resource that Ireland possesses.
“In meeting this vital challenge, I am delighted to be able to work with south and west coast communities and stakeholders as part of a collective effort to protect our future.
“It is through our values of responsibility, integrity, courage, diversity and passion that we will achieve that.”
Simply Blue Energy Kinsale project managing director Val Cummins added: “Floating offshore wind provides Ireland with the opportunity to address climate change and to develop a whole new economic sector.
“As a blue economy developer, we are deeply committed to meaningful community engagement.
“Brian’s experience and passion for the sustainable development of Ireland’s offshore wind resource bring further value and credibility to our Irish team.”
Capt. FitzGerald enjoyed a long and successful career with Ireland’s Naval Service including two periods as a ship’s captain before ultimately serving as the Navy’s operational commander.
In 2017 he completed a successful deployment to the Mediterranean Sea as part of Europe’s response to the humanitarian crisis to rescue migrants.
FitzGerald has participated in some of the biggest drug interdiction operations in the history of Europe and coordinated the at sea search operation following the loss of the IRCG helicopter ‘Rescue 116′ in 2017.
He is a board member of the Irish International Charity GOAL delivering humanitarian assistance in 14 countries worldwide and has enjoyed a successful sporting career including as an international rugby match official.