ESB and Shannon Foynes Port, the statutory authority governing marine activities in the Shannon Estuary, have joined forces in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the Shannon Estuary into a prominent center for the deployment of floating offshore wind projects. This collaboration aims to harness the unique potential of the estuary, which boasts deepwater resources, expansive development lands, a low-lying shoreline, and proximity to one of the world's most consistent wind resources off Ireland's west coast.
The MoU solidifies the commitment of Shannon Foynes Port and ESB to work closely together, aligning their efforts to maximize opportunities in the Shannon Estuary and the wider Mid-West region. By ensuring coordinated development between ESB's Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint project and the port authority's initiatives, both parties strive to optimize the estuary's potential while serving the national interest.
The memorandum follows Shannon Foynes Port's Vision 2041 masterplan, released last year, which outlined three pivotal areas for growth: the implementation of large-scale floating offshore wind projects, the transition to green industrial development, and the expansion, diversification, and sustainability of logistics.
ESB is embarking on a multi-billion-euro redevelopment project at its Moneypoint site, focusing on the integration of substantial offshore wind capacity alongside the production of hydrogen and other green derivatives. As part of the project, an offshore wind construction hub will be established, facilitating the fabrication and assembly of floating offshore wind platforms.
This MoU aligns with Shannon Foynes Port's masterplan, which envisions the development of four core facilities in the estuary to support the scalable delivery of floating offshore wind. These facilities include substructure assembly at Moneypoint, turbine integration and pre-commissioning at Foynes Port, wet storage at various locations within the estuary, and an operations and maintenance base at Foynes.
Integral to Shannon Foynes Port's plans is the establishment of a new deepwater port at Foynes Island, directly connected to the national transport network through a restored rail link and new road infrastructure.
Patrick O'Donovan TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and the Gaeltacht, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “As Ireland continues to develop transformational renewable energy projects to meet our ambitious climate action targets, I am delighted to witness the plans that ESB and Shannon Foynes Port have crafted to unlock the potential of the Shannon Estuary and the broader region as a hub for clean energy.”
Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon Foynes Port, emphasized their commitment to leveraging the exceptional opportunities arising from the estuary's unparalleled wind resources and deepwater access. He acknowledged ESB's pivotal role in the transformation of the wider estuary and pledged the port authority's unwavering support in realizing this essential project.
This partnership between ESB and Shannon Foynes Port marks a significant milestone in Ireland's pursuit of renewable energy goals and positions the Shannon Estuary as a frontrunner in the deployment of floating offshore wind technology. With its abundant resources and strategic advantages, the estuary is poised to play a vital role in the country's clean energy transition while fostering regional development and economic growth.
