SSE, a leading renewable energy developer, is set to submit an offshore planning consent application to Ireland's planning authority An Bord Pleanála for its proposed Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 project in the Irish Sea. The project, which is being developed off the coasts of Wicklow and North Wexford, aims to contribute significantly to Ireland's renewable energy goals.
The Arklow Bank 2 project, with a capacity of up to 800MW, is anticipated to make a substantial impact on Ireland's energy landscape. Once operational, it could displace over 800,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions annually and power around 850,000 homes each year, representing a significant step towards a cleaner energy future for the nation.
SSE Renewables has been diligently working on the development of the Arklow Bank 2 project for almost seven years. The project, an extension of the original vision for offshore wind generation at Arklow Bank dating back to 2003, has already secured planning consent for essential infrastructure, including an operations and maintenance base, onshore cabling, and a substation.
The submission of the offshore planning consent application marks a crucial milestone in the project's development. If approved, it would be the final step before moving towards the construction phase. Construction could potentially commence by 2026, with the first energy generated by 2029, contributing significantly to Ireland's target of at least 5GW of offshore renewable energy by 2030.
James O'Hara, Arklow Bank project director at SSE Renewables, emphasized the project's potential benefits, stating, “Arklow Bank is a unique and well-advanced project that enjoys widespread public and stakeholder support, especially among communities in south Wicklow and north Wexford.”
The planning application outlines the construction of up to 56 offshore wind turbines, along with associated infrastructure such as substation platforms and cabling to connect the wind farm to Ireland's national grid. SSE Renewables has undertaken extensive public consultation and submitted comprehensive environmental impact assessments as part of the planning process.
The Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 project represents a significant investment in Ireland's renewable energy infrastructure, with the potential to deliver substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities to the region.
