A Dutch marine engineering specialist is considering the development of a floating wind farm which could supply 13% of Northern Ireland’s total energy needs and create “significant opportunities” for the local supply chain.
SBM Offshore said they are considering two sites located 12 kilometres and 27 km off the coast of both County Down and County Antrim which would connect to the grid via underground cables.
Together the windfarms – known as the North Channel Wind - would create 400 megawatts of electricity which equates to 57% of domestic requirement and be a “game changer” for Northern Ireland, according to the company.
It said floating turbines, as opposed to the more common fixed base turbines which are drilled in to the sea floor, are well suited to the Irish Sea given the reduced environmental impact during installation and operation.
Project director for the proposed 400MW North Channel Wind floating wind project Niamh Kenny said the company is scoping out the potential for the project.
“We are in discussions with the Northern Ireland government, the grid operator SONI, the energy regulator UREGNI, Renewables NI and the Crown Estate,” she said. “Significantly, we have completed our site characterisation and have commenced a scoping exercise in consultation with DAERA, which is the first step in applying for a marine licence to build offshore infrastructure.”
Representatives from North Channel Wind will be meeting with key stakeholders including the fishing community, local interest groups and other marine users over the coming months to gauge reactions, optimise the project and to build partnerships which will benefit the wider Northern Ireland community for many years to come.
SBM said the project will create significant opportunites for the suppliers in Northern Ireland including the assembly of the required steel floating devices, logistics, assembly, marine services and construction.
