The application seeks consent for a 450 MW offshore wind farm comprising 30 wind turbines, which would be sited between 5 and 12 kilometres from the nearest mainland point.
The consent request is supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) that detail how the project might affect the natural environment as well as an array of appropriate mitigations, Corio said in a press release on 16 January.
Construction is expected to be launched as soon as next year, subject to consent being granted, with Sceirde Rocks Windfarm generating first electricity from 2030.
“The project team has worked tirelessly over almost three years on surveying, data analysis and community engagement activity in order to produce this comprehensive application. We look forward to a positive outcome and to contributing to Ireland’s green energy transition for many years to come”, said Tim Coffey , Head of Ireland at Corio Generation.
According to Corio, the 450 MW Sceirde Rocks would provide enough renewable electricity to power up to 350,000 homes and would contribute an estimated EUR 3.5 million per year to local community initiatives for 20 years. This would go through a dedicated Community Benefit Fund amounting to a total of EUR 70 million in expected investment from the start of construction, in addition to the EUR 150,000 of support provided by the project to local community initiatives since 2023.
“Sceirde Rocks Windfarm is a landmark project for County Galway and for the nation of Ireland. As the first offshore wind project proposed for Ireland’s west coast it can pave the way for major long-term investment in green energy technology and infrastructure in the west of the country – boosting local economies, supporting the energy transition and helping rural and coastal communities to thrive” , said Tim Coffey .
Follow offshoreWIND.biz on: