Offshore Wind Energy in Ireland: Paving the Way for Sustainability

Offshore Wind Energy in Ireland: Paving the Way for Sustainability, Photo: iStock

Wind energy is already undoubtedly a strong, successful source of renewable energy in Ireland, with an important future ahead as sustainability becomes a top priority for homes and businesses across the country and Ireland's Climate Action Plan targets zero. This country could be the leader of Europe's energy revolution. Wind power is currently the cheapest and largest contributor to renewable energy in Ireland.

The first half of 2024, the third highest on record, totaled 771 gigawatt-hours (GWh). According to recent figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), around 42% of all electricity generated in Ireland comes from renewable sources and 86% of this renewable electricity comes from wind. Ireland has a convenient geographical location, which makes it suitably windy. This is mostly a boon to the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and the subsequent pressure systems that drive it. The first wind farm project in Ireland was completed in 1992. Now, there are almost 400 wind farms on the island of Ireland!

Ireland has a national target of reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and targeting 9 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. Ireland has 79 offshore wind farm projects, of which 1 is currently operating. None have progressed far enough to connect turbines and produce electricity, and none are in the construction phase. Five offshore projects have been approved or applied for approval.

Codling Wind Park: A Significant Step in Ireland's Renewable Energy Evolution

The Codling Wind Park project is set to be one of the largest offshore wind farms in Ireland. The project is a 50/50 joint venture between Fred's Olsen Seawind and EDF Renewables. Two world leaders in the development, ownership, and management of renewable energy assets, particularly in the offshore wind sector. It Wind Park is a proposed 1,300 MW offshore wind farm located on Codling Bank in the Irish Sea, approximately 13–22 km off the coast of County Wicklow, between Greystones and Wicklow Town.

As Ireland's largest Phase One offshore renewable energy project, Codling Wind Park can power more than one million homes annually, generating 1.3 GW of clean low-cost electricity, and saving up to 1.7 tonnes of CO2 annually.  

“This is one of the largest energy infrastructure investments ever seen in Ireland and a tremendously exciting project to work on,” said Codling Wind Park’s Project Director, Scott Sutherland.

Scott Sutherland

This is a big moment for climate action, for Irish energy independence, and for the local communities who will share in the benefits of the project. This is one of the largest energy infrastructure investments ever seen in Ireland and a tremendously exciting project to work on. We are very confident in our application, which is informed by detailed surveys, studies, and assessments of the local environment and consultation with stakeholders, which aligns with the highest Irish and international standards of environmental assessment and planning.

⸺Scott Sutherland.

The wind farm will feature up to 75 turbines, a reduction from the initially planned 100, thanks to advances in turbine technology and a detailed assessment of the site. This allows the use of more efficient turbines to meet energy goals. A new onshore substation will be required to connect the generated electricity to the national grid

The planning application for the project was submitted in September 2024 If the project receives all necessary permits and approvals, construction could begin in 2026 or 2027 and is estimated to take two to three years to complete. The construction and operation of Codling Wind Park is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including the creation of more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 75 long-term jobs in subsequent operation and maintenance.

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