Offshore staff
DUBLIN, Ireland — The co-venturers in the planned Phase 1 Codling Wind Park offshore eastern Ireland have confirmed a further 25% reduction in the number of turbines.
Codling Wind Park, 13 m to 22 m from Greystones and Wicklow Towns on the Wicklow Coast in the Irish Sea, is a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables and Fred. Olsen Seawind.
They had previously estimated that about 100 turbines would be needed, but the targets have now been scaled back to a maximum of 75 and a minimum of 60 turbines. The minimum proposed turbine tip height has also been re-defined at 288 m, with a maximum tip height of 314 m.
Despite the reductions, the project should still generate 1.3 GW.
The original estimate for the number of turbines was about 440, but this has been scaled back thanks to advances in wind turbine technology, more efficient turbine models and a more detailed understanding of the wind farm site.
A third and final series of public engagements on the proposals are due to start this month.
According to the co-venturers, the design work to date is based on various inputs including geophysical, aerial and vessel-based surveys, all factored into the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the planning application.
They expect the project to generate more than 1,000 jobs in the construction phase and 75 new, long-term jobs at the planned operations and maintenance base.
Subject to planning permission and other permits and consents, construction of Codling Wind Park could start in 2026-27 and take up to three years to complete.
04.04.2024
