EDF Renewables Ireland and Simply Blue Group have joined forces in a partnership to develop the Western Star and Emerald floating wind projects.
The collaboration is dependent on receiving approval through a merger clearance process, which is anticipated to be completed in the upcoming months.
In this 50:50 joint venture, the partners aim to advance the two projects to align with the Irish government’s objective of having 2GW of floating wind in progress by 2030.
The Western Star floating wind project will be situated at least 35km off the western coast of Clare in waters exceeding 100m in depth, with a total capacity of up to 1.35GW.
The Emerald Floating Wind site, located off the southern coast of Cork, will have a total capacity of up to 1.3GW. Together, these projects will generate sufficient electricity to power approximately two million homes in Ireland.
This partnership underscores the confidence of EDF Renewables and Simply Blue Group in the Irish market, supported by the Irish government’s commitment to generate 7GW of offshore wind power by 2030. Both parties recognize the substantial potential for floating wind projects along the south and west coasts of Ireland.
Matthieu Hue, Chief executive of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, said “We are very pleased to sign the partnership on these two exciting floating offshore wind projects.”
“Emerald and Western Star will complement our flagship, fixed-bottom foundation, Codling Wind Park development off the east coast of Ireland, diversifying our offshore portfolio in Ireland and strengthening our position as a key player in the Irish and UK offshore markets.”
“These projects further strengthen EDF Renewables’ position as a leading global player in the emerging floating wind industry, joining a portfolio that includes our Gwynt Glas project in the Celtic Sea and Provence Grand Large off the south coast of France.”
“We are looking forward to working closely with Simply Blue Group to deliver on the two projects’ great potential to make a significant contribution to the Irish Government’s renewable energy goals.”
Sam Roch Perks, Chief executive of Simply Blue Group, said “Simply Blue are delighted to partner with EDF Renewables to deliver these strategic assets and to deliver Ireland’s first floating offshore wind farms.”
“As an international renewable energy company, EDF Renewables are major players in the energy transition worldwide, ensuring alignment with Simply Blue’s culture and commitment to making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity and coastal communities.”
“Simply Blue’s expertise in floating offshore wind, with over 10GW of floating projects in development globally, has been brought to bear on the selection of the two sites, following extensive stakeholder engagement and initial environmental assessments.”
Ryanne Burges, Director of Offshore and Ireland at EDF Renewables, said “Western Star and Emerald add to EDF Renewables UK and Ireland’s growing portfolio of offshore wind projects. This includes the operational Blyth and Teesside offshore wind farms in England, Neart na Gaoithe which is currently under construction off the coast of Scotland, and Codling Wind Park which was recently successful in Ireland’s first ever offshore wind energy auction.”
Val Cummins, Project managing director for Emerald and Western Star, added “The partnership is ideally placed to deliver for Phase 3 of offshore wind in Ireland. This is key to kick-starting floating offshore wind, which will have a transformational positive impact on Ireland’s maritime and energy landscape, including the coastal communities in Cork and Clare.”
We are a leading global infrastructure and renewables search & recruitment business. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on our opportunities and current news. Please get in contact to discuss your hiring needs, salary bench-marking or market information: info@infra-be.com.
