RWE buys developer of up to 900-MW wind project in Irish waters

German energy major RWE AG (ETR:RWE) on Friday said it has acquired the company developing an offshore wind farm project that could add up to 900 MW of capacity in Irish waters.

The acquisition of project development vehicle Western Power Offshore Developments Ltd is seen to “significantly” expand the German group’s offshore wind development business in Ireland and adds to its existing renewable portfolio in the country. Financial details about the transaction were kept under wraps.

The East Celtic Wind Farm is currently in the very early stages of development and is due to undergo a public consultation next year. It is planned to be installed around 10 km off the coast of Wexford and Waterford, while the final turbine locations and cable routes are yet to be determined.

“[..] East Celtic is targeting inclusion in Ireland’s offshore Phase 2 round and could be invaluable in contributing to the Irish Government’s 80% renewable energy target by 2030,” said Sven Utermohlen, CEO Wind Offshore of RWE Renewables.

In Ireland, RWE is developing the Dublin Array wind farm off the coast of Dublin and Wicklow together with its partner Saorgus Energy. The offshore wind farm will have a power generation capacity of between 600 MW and 900 MW.

Earlier this year, RWE's renewable energy arm pledged to invest up to EUR 1.5 billion (USD 1.59bn) gross in green power projects in Ireland by 2030 as part of a global EUR-50-billion investment plan.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.058)

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