Ireland's Largest Offshore Wind Project on Show

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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--The developers of Ireland's largest planned offshore windfarm have kicked off a public consultation in advance of completing a planning application.

Valued at roughly 1.5 billion euro ($1.77 billion), the Dublin Array windfarm will be located off Ireland's east coast and boast up to 60 giant turbines capable of generating enough power for 600,000 homes. The project is being led by German energy giant RWE Renewables and the Irish company Saorgus, and will sit on the Kish and Bray Banks, 10 kilometres (km) off the coast, close to the capital. The project has languished in development for two decades, but the developers are estimating a permit by 2022, construction taking approximately two years and commissioning feasible by late 2026/early 2027.

Explaining the unusual step of a public consultation before seeking the permit, Dublin Array project director, Peter Lefroy, told the media that they are aware of the visual impact from shore, "especially as the Dublin region has never been exposed to a lot of wind energy in the past. This is why we have gone out early on consultation and are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders."

Exact details have yet to be pinned down but there will be between 45 and 61 turbines with capacities of between 8 megawatts (MW) and 15 MW, resulting in a potential capacity of 600-900 MW. Maximum turbine tower height will be 135 metres while turbine tip heights will range between approximately 240 metres and 310 metres tall.

"Since Dublin Array was first proposed in 1999, there have been significant technological changes in the offshore wind industry," the developers stated. "This means we can deliver more electricity, more efficiently, with fewer turbines. Previously Dublin Array was considering up to 145 turbines, with a tip height of 160 metres, but this number has now been reduced significantly. While the turbines will be bigger, there will be fewer of them, lessening many of the potential impacts associated with their construction and operation. The final decision on the project envelope, i.e. the size and number of turbines, has not yet been made. There are a number of ongoing survey activities which will continue up to, during, and post consent which will inform this decision. We are seeking to balance the technical, commercial, and environmental considerations to deliver the best project we possibly can. The feedback we receive from our consultation activities will help to shape the project."

Dublin Array comprises two of seven offshore wind projects that the Irish government designated as Relevant Projects in May to speed the planning process. The government's Climate Action Plan commits to increasing offshore wind capacity to 3.5 gigawatts (GW) as part of its overall ambition to reach 70% renewable energy by 2030.​

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Damien English, T.D, said at the time: "I am pleased to announce a way forward for these offshore renewable energy projects which will now be determined under the planning regime to be introduced in the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, 2020. Under this new marine planning regime, these projects will apply for final development consent to An Board Pleanála which will provide further opportunities for public consultation on the individual projects."

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