Corio Generation has suspended development of its 450-megawatt Sceirde Rocks offshore wind project off the coast of County Galway in Ireland, citing more complex site conditions than initially expected, according to people familiar with the matter.
The decision follows recent investigations that revealed the area is affected by strong wave activity and currents, in addition to the already known rocky seabed.
The Currency first reported the development, noting that Corio is currently in discussions with Ireland’s Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) regarding possible next steps.
While Corio has not confirmed the specifics of the investigation results, a spokesperson declined to comment.
Industry sources told reNEWS that many of the site’s difficulties had been previously acknowledged, describing Sceirde Rocks as one of the most technically demanding projects among Ireland’s Phase 1 offshore wind schemes.
Corio had been evaluating the use of gravity base foundations—similar to those employed at France’s Fécamp offshore wind project—in an effort to move the project forward. The company also holds a contract under Ireland’s first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1).
The pause comes as Corio begins a company-wide restructuring process following the failure of its parent, Macquarie, to secure a buyer.
“Given challenging market conditions in the offshore wind sector, Corio Generation is refocusing its global operations to prioritise the development of a smaller portfolio of projects which have the clearest route through to construction,” the company said in a statement.
