SSE seeks marine area consent for 800-MW Irish offshore wind project

SSE Renewables has lodged an application with the government of Ireland for a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) for its up to 800-MW Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2 project in Irish waters.

The project worth up to EUR 2.5 billion (USD 2.7bn) is undergoing permitting under Ireland’s new consenting regime that was introduced in April to filter out proposals that will seek planning permission from national independent planning body An Bord Pleanala.

Earlier this week, SSE Renewables won consent to develop the onshore grid infrastructure that will enable it to connect the wind farm to the national power grid. A similar application will need to be cleared for the proposed offshore infrastructure, as well. The developer, part of UK utility SSE plc (LON:SSE), plans to start preparing a draft of the environmental impact assessment later this year, news service Business Plus reports.

Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2 is a continuation of the 25.2-MW Arklow Bank wind park, built in 2003/04 and owned by GE Energy. The new wind park will be located between 6km and 13km off the County Wicklow coastline, expanding the existing seven-turbine complex.

With first power to be lauded in 2028, Arklow Bank Wind Park Phase 2 is planned to be fully operational in 2029. It is expected to generate electricity for nearly 850,000 homes annually.

(EUR 1.0 = USD 1.071)

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