Energia Group has appointed Green Rebel in Cork to carry out geophysical surveys for Energia’s proposed new offshore windfarm off the coast of Waterford.

The surveys are pursuant to the foreshore licence issued to Energia for this Celtic Sea project by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in September 2021.

Energia said that the surveys will be undertaken from April to May to explore seabed conditions and the ecology of the sea area.

The two companies said the survey activity will not interfere with fishing.

The data retrieved by Green Rebel will inform suitable locations within the survey area to locate infrastructure and to determine suitable foundation designs.

In Association with

Peter Baillie, managing director, Energia Renewables, explained: “The North Celtic Sea project forms part of a multi-billion euro portfolio of investments by Energia. Local partnerships are a key element of enabling the establishment of an Irish offshore wind sector.

“This survey is an important component of the overall package of work required to ensure the project remains on the required pathway for 2030 and to engage early with the Marine Area Regulatory Authority, once it has been established in Q1 2023.

“Combined, Energia’s North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea projects could provide up to 1,600MW of renewable offshore wind power capable of generating enough green electricity to power over 1 million homes.”

Energia’s proposed windfarms would be located from 10km to 25km out to sea off the south-east and eastern coastlines.

Energia operates two gaas-fired power stations in north county Dublin with a combined capacity of 747MW.

Green Rebel, founded by businessman Pearse Flynn, expects to increase headcount 125 people by the end of next year. The company employs geoscientists, ecologists, surveyors, boat crew, electrical engineers and sales people.

CEO Kieran Ivers stated: “Green Rebel represents an example of the companies, jobs and investment that Ireland can expect to grow as the local supply chain evolves with the progression of offshore renewable energy along the Irish coastline.

“We recently announced an investment of €20m in technology to meet what we expect to be the future need from developers of offshore wind.”

Energia recently published the Introductory Phase public consultation reports for the North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea projects.

Photo: Peter Baillie (left) and Kieran Ivers. (Pic: Shane O’Neill / Coalesce)