North Channel Wind, the developer behind a significant offshore wind project in the Irish Sea, has taken substantial steps forward in its plans for a 1-gigawatt (GW) floating wind farm. The company has submitted a draft marine license application to the Department for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, seeking permission to conduct surveys for its ambitious project in the Irish Sea.
In addition to the license application, North Channel Wind has successfully completed a geotechnical survey for the development located off the coasts of Antrim and north Down in Northern Ireland.
Project Director Niamh Kenny expressed optimism about the project's progress, citing encouraging feedback from initial voluntary consultations. The local community's support for the offshore wind initiative aligns with a broader recognition of the urgent need to address the climate emergency. Transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing emissions-free and reliable electricity sources is a shared goal.
The consultation process has been extensive, covering Northern Ireland's east coast from Carnlough to Bangor, with more consultations anticipated in the coming months. Concurrently, both offshore and onshore scoping efforts are underway to identify potential landing sites for cabling to connect to the shore and the grid. Plans for a new substation are also in the design phase.
SBM Offshore, the company backing North Channel Wind, recently offered industry insiders an opportunity to witness the final stages of floating wind turbine construction at the PGL shipyard in Marseille.
However, challenges lie ahead for the project. Project Director Kenny pointed out the need for legislative support, including the establishment of an assembly to provide essential backing for offshore wind initiatives. Moreover, the development of offshore wind requires a new connection policy that hinges on legislative actions. Additionally, a decommissioning policy for wind turbines is contingent on legislative support.
North Channel Wind is urging the Crown Estate, the seabed owner, to expedite the availability of leases. The company contends that a competitive leasing round is essential to provide clarity and facilitate investments in the project.
North Channel Wind is operating on a timeline aimed at supplying electricity to the Northern Ireland grid by 2030. This timeline aligns with Northern Ireland's ambitious target, set in 2022 by the Assembly, of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewable sources.
