SSE Renewables has announced its intention to apply for a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) for its Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2 project under Ireland’s new consenting regime. This transfer from the current route of delivery via the Foreshore Act into the MAC regime has been notified to the relevant authorities.
The said project, now progressing through the MAC regime, will be delivered later than initially envisaged. However, there will be a substantial increase in capacity at the site to 800MW. On completion, the project will be able to power almost 850,000 homes each year, almost double the number of homes targeted by the initial iteration of the project.
This revised offshore wind capacity will require an estimated investment of up to €2.5 billion. It is expected to be delivered in 2028 based on current timelines and subject to a final investment decision. The project’s O&M base will continue to be located at Arklow Harbour’s South Dock and the proposed onshore underground cable route as well as the substation location will stay the same.
REGlobal’s Views: Ireland has a target to install 5 GW of offshore wind projects by 2030. This 800 MW project will help the country to move towards its target.
