Deal signed for wind project off Clare coast
A BLUE-CHIP renewable energy firm has entered into a deal to develop a floating wind project off the Clare coast.
EDF Renewables bosses have signed an agreement to accelerate the Western Star floating wind scheme with Simply Blue Group.
Subject to a merger clearance expected in the coming months, the venture partners will seek to progress the projects to meet government targets to have two gigawatts of floating wind in development by 2030.
The Western Star floating wind project will be located at least 35km off the west coast of Clare in waters over 100 metres deep.
It will have a total capacity of up to 1.35 gigawatts, with another project - codenamed Emerald - also being located off the Cork coast.
Matthieu Hue, chief executive of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, said: "We are very pleased to sign the partnership on these exciting floating offshore wind projects. Emerald and Western Star will complement our flagship, fixed-bottom foundation, Codling Wind Park development off the east coast of Ireland, diversifying our offshore portfolio in Ireland and strengthening our position as a key player in the Irish and UK offshore markets."
"These projects further strengthen EDF Renewables’ position as a leading global player in the emerging floating wind industry, joining a portfolio that includes our Gwynt Glas project in the Celtic Sea and Provence Grand Large off the south coast of France. We are looking forward to working closely with Simply Blue Group to deliver on the two projects’ great potential to make a significant contribution to the Irish Government’s renewable energy goals," he added.
Sam Roch Perks, who heads Simply Blue, stated: "As an international renewable energy company, EDF Renewables are major players in the energy transition worldwide, ensuring alignment with Simply Blue’s culture and commitment to making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity, and coastal communities. Simply Blue’s expertise in floating offshore wind, with over 10GW of floating projects in development globally, has been brought to bear on the selection of the two sites, following extensive stakeholder engagement and initial environmental assessments.”