DUBLIN, Ireland— Phase 1 of the planned Codling Wind Park offshore Ireland’s County Wicklow coast will require almost 30% fewer wind turbines than originally proposed due to technology advances.
Despite the reduction, from 140 to 100 wind turbines, the development should still generate enough electricity to meet more than 20% of the country’s 2030 offshore wind target.
EirGrid has confirmed that Poolbeg in Ringsend will be the location of the project’s electricity grid connection with 1,450 MW being the maximum amount of electricity generated.
Codling Wind Park, a 50:50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and EDF Renewables, will be installed 13-22 km offshore between Greystones and Wicklow Town.
A second round of public consultation is due to start on Jan. 11. The process will provide further details on various onshore and offshore environmental, technical and feasibility surveys conducted as part of the project.
Feedback from the process will be incorporated into the ongoing development, with updated proposals presented at a third phase of public consultation later this year.
Recently the project was awarded a Maritime Area Consent by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. This and the grid connection agreement will allow it to be included in Ireland’s first Offshore Renewable Electricity Scheme auction in the next few coming months.
If successful, the joint venture will submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála later this year.
Subject to receipt of necessary permits and consents, construction could then start in 2026, and it should take two to three years to complete.
01.04.2023
