The biggest wind farm in Ireland could begin generating electricity by 2027 but its developers warn that the planning process must be accelerated to ensure the Republic meets climate targets.
European energy giants EDF and Fred Olsen are jointly investing at least €2 billion in Codling Wind Park (related story), an offshore energy plant in the Irish Sea that could supply electricity for up to 1.2 million homes.
Arno Verbeek, Codling’s project director, predicted on Friday that if the entire planning process runs to schedule, the wind farm could begin generating electricity in 2027-2028.
He was speaking after Codling Wind Park confirmed that it has chosen Wicklow Port as its operations and maintenance base in a move that will create 115 jobs locally. Industry sources estimate the investment needed at €15 million.
However, Mr Verbeek said he shared the wider industry’s view that the State needs to speed up its planning process if it is to hit its target of building enough offshore wind power to generate 5,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, close to the Republic’s current peak demand.
The Irish Times has further reading on the development.
Wicklow Port, Afloat adds specilises in Scandinavian sourced timber products imported for the construction industry, though other cargoes involve glass and recyclable metals.
For example this saw a rare call by an Arklow Shipping, as the short-sea trader Arklow Vanguard made a maiden call at the nation's most easterly located Irish port to load recyclable metals bound for the UK.