EDF Renewables Ireland and Simply Blue Group have announced a strategic partnership to develop the Western Star and Emerald floating wind projects. The joint venture, pending merger clearance expected in the coming months, aims to contribute to the Irish government's target of 2GW of floating wind development by 2030.
With a shared ownership of 50%, the partners will work together to advance the two projects in alignment with the Irish government's renewable energy goals. The Western Star floating wind project will be situated at least 35km off the west coast of Clare, in waters over 100m deep, with a capacity of up to 1.35GW. Similarly, the Emerald Floating Wind site, located off the south coast of Cork, will have a capacity of up to 1.3GW. Together, these projects will generate enough electricity to power approximately two million homes in Ireland.
The collaboration highlights the confidence of both EDF Renewables and Simply Blue Group in the Irish market, supported by the Irish government's commitment to generate 7GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Both parties recognize the immense potential for floating wind projects along the south and west coasts of Ireland.
Matthieu Hue, the Chief Executive of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are very pleased to sign the partnership on these two exciting floating offshore wind projects. Emerald and Western Star will complement our flagship, fixed-bottom foundation, Codling Wind Park development off the east coast of Ireland, diversifying our offshore portfolio in Ireland and strengthening our position as a key player in the Irish and UK offshore markets. These projects further strengthen EDF Renewables' position as a leading global player in the emerging floating wind industry.”
Sam Roch Perks, Chief Executive of Simply Blue Group, shared his excitement about the collaboration and the opportunity to deliver Ireland's first floating offshore wind farms. He emphasized the alignment between Simply Blue's values and EDF Renewables' commitment to sustainable energy transition, saying, “EDF Renewables are major players in the energy transition worldwide, ensuring alignment with Simply Blue's culture and commitment to making a positive impact on climate, biodiversity, and coastal communities.”
Ryanne Burges, Director of Offshore and Ireland at EDF Renewables, highlighted the significance of the partnership and the projects within the company's offshore wind portfolio. She mentioned, “Western Star and Emerald add to EDF Renewables UK and Ireland's growing portfolio of offshore wind projects, including the operational Blyth and Teesside offshore wind farms in England, Neart na Gaoithe under construction off the coast of Scotland, and Codling Wind Park, which was recently successful in Ireland's first-ever offshore wind energy auction.”
Val Cummins, the Project Managing Director for Emerald and Western Star, emphasized the transformative impact of floating offshore wind on Ireland's maritime and energy landscape, including coastal communities in Cork and Clare. She stated, “The partnership is ideally placed to deliver for Phase 3 of offshore wind in Ireland, kick-starting floating offshore wind and positively transforming Ireland's maritime and energy landscape.”
The collaboration between EDF Renewables Ireland and Simply Blue Group signifies a significant step towards achieving Ireland's renewable energy targets and establishing the country as a prominent player in the emerging floating wind industry.
