SSE Renewables has warned that Ireland’s ability to achieve its offshore wind target for 2030 is being “undermined” by delays. The company – which bought Airtricity who co-developed the 25-megawatt (MW) Arklow Bank Wind Park off the shores of Co Wicklow, with GE Energy – has plans to invest up to €2bn developing a second phase of the wind farm. The Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2 could generate enough energy to power almost 450,000 homes annually. Last Thursday, during a Seanad question and answer session, Fianna Fáil senator Pat Casey highlighted that SSE had submitted an environmental impact assessment report to the Department of Housing in March. The report related to the Arklow Bank project, with SSE aiming to extend longstop dates associated with the lease.
Irish Independent 24th Oct 2021 read more »
Today, according to Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) – the industry representative group – there are just under 400 wind farms across the country, with a combined capacity of 4.3 gigawatts (4,309 MW). In 2020, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), 32% of Ireland’s electricity came from wind generation, with just 8% coming from high carbon-emitting fossil fuels like coal and oil. The majority of the country’s electricity (51%) came from gas. The government has set ambitious targets for renewable wind electricity. However, a number of significant challenges – including electrical grid capacity, slow offshore development, and issues with planning – mean that meeting those targets won’t be easy.
The Journal 23rd Oct 2021 read more »