North Channel Wind which has Headquarters in Belfast, is a co-development agreement between SBM Offshore, based in the Netherlands, and Irish-based developer NMK Renewables, for a pair of floating wind farms in the North Channel. Although North Channel Wind has an impressive website (North Channel Wind) it was strange that any detailed discussion only became apparent last weekend and surprised the boating fraternity of Belfast Lough. In fact, it was a chance remark by a fisherman to the Commodore of Cockle Island Boat Club which started it all.
The North Channel joins the Irish Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. The Sea of Moyle is the name given to the narrowest expanse of water in the North Channel between north-eastern Northern Ireland (County Antrim) and the Mull of Kintyre in the southwest of Scotland, and that is about 12 miles. Between Donaghadee on the North Down Coast and Portpatrick on the Mull of Galloway is about 20 miles. The projects, (North Channel Wind 1 & 2), will be located between 6 miles and 15 miles from shore in approximately 400 feet of water depth and as precise sites have not yet been determined, consideration will be given to the existence of the offshore dump site in the 30-mile long Beaufort's Dyke for surplus conventional and chemical weapons after WW II.
The proposed location of the wind farms in the North Channel
In the briefing document given to Afloat, North Channel Wind project director Niamh Kenny says proposals for a pair of floating wind farms in the Irish Sea off the coasts of Antrim and North Down could see Northern Ireland benefit from much-improved energy security. In addition, Northern Ireland could be in a position to become a net exporter of clean electricity.
It adds “Offshore wind capacity is critical to NI’s target of reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2035. Department for Economy figures released last month show that Northern Ireland generated 51% of all electricity through renewables in 2022. Energy security and the climate emergency are now the main drivers of the transition from imported fossil fuels to home-grown renewables”.
As it is widely understood that the climate emergency is upon us, North Channel Wind suggests we must embrace new forms of clean electricity generation, and one solution is floating turbines in the North Channel. But the support of all communities through consultation, ensuring environmental protection of the seabed and minimising the impact of turbines on natural habitats is, the document says, the only way to progress.
It is understood that North Channel Wind is engaging positively with Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy and Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which has jurisdiction over marine licencing required to install turbines and cabling to shore.
When John Cathcart, Hon Secretary of Cockle Island Boat Club at Groomsport on the North Down coast, heard of the proposal, he wrote to the company, “I note from the North Channel Wind website that the company has engaged with a representative of commercial fishermen who may be affected by the project. Is it the company's intention to engage with representative(s) of recreational boaters who may also be affected by the project?” He continued, “Since the project has implications for all recreational watercraft users in the Belfast Lough, Larne Lough and North Channel areas, I suggest that, rather than engaging with individual clubs, North Channel Wind should engage with the established representative bodies, Belfast Lough Yachting Conference and the Royal Yachting Association N Ireland”. In fact, RYANI has confirmed they hope to meet with North Channel Wind soon.
It has been indicated that consultations will take place at the end of May at the Gobbins, probably in the Visitor Centre and at Carnlough on the Antrim Coast and in Bangor on Belfast Lough. Engagements with fishing representatives have begun in Glasgow.
Ms Kenny says if it were to go ahead, the development could be a game changer for Northern Ireland, representing a significant proportion of its energy needs. The power from these would be cabled to shore connecting to the grid at a location currently under consideration”.
North Channel Wind’s new floating technologies significantly reduce environmental impact during installation and operation when compared to conventional turbines whose foundations are piled into the seabed.
North Channel Wind had embarked on a series of meetings with key stakeholders, including the fishing community, local interest groups and other marine users. A series of further consultations with local communities is planned for late May/early June at the Gobbins (most likely in the Visitor Centre) and Carnlough on the Antrim Coast and in Bangor on Belfast Lough. Initial talks with the Ards and North Down Council have taken place.
