Irish utility ESB and Orsted, a global leader in the offshore wind industry, have reached a groundbreaking agreement to jointly develop a portfolio of offshore wind projects in Ireland. The partnership, reported first in the 9 February edition of subscriber-only reNEWS, will see Orsted become an equal 50/50 partner in a pipeline of offshore wind development ventures off the Irish coast.
This collaboration has the potential to generate up to 5GW of renewable energy, marking a significant step towards Ireland's goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The portfolio will also include complementary renewable hydrogen projects, further contributing to Ireland's sustainable energy ambitions. The first of these offshore wind projects is anticipated to participate in the upcoming Irish offshore wind auction, known as ORESS 2.1.
Additionally, the partnership includes an agreement to explore the long-term potential of renewable hydrogen produced from these offshore wind projects. This demonstrates a commitment to innovative and eco-friendly energy solutions that align with the global transition towards cleaner alternatives.
Duncan Clark, Senior Vice-president and Head of UK and Ireland at Orsted, expressed enthusiasm about venturing into the Irish offshore market alongside ESB, a company renowned for its historical role in bringing electricity to Ireland. He highlighted the significance of combining ESB's established Irish onshore portfolio with Orsted's international expertise in offshore wind development. Clark stated, “This partnership combines complementary strengths relevant to development in this market and creates an ideal platform for Orsted to bring its global expertise in the delivery of offshore wind to bear in Ireland.”
Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director of Generation & Trading, acknowledged ESB's growing expertise in offshore wind and its efforts to build a substantial offshore footprint in Ireland and Great Britain. Dollard emphasized ESB's commitment to developing a large renewables pipeline and its delight in partnering with Orsted, recognizing the company as a global leader in the offshore wind industry. He stated, “We are delighted to partner with Orsted…in developing this portfolio in Ireland.”
The joint venture between ESB and Orsted represents a significant milestone in Ireland's renewable energy sector. By combining their respective strengths and expertise, the partnership aims to propel the growth of offshore wind projects in Ireland, contributing to the country's renewable energy targets and fostering a greener future.
