Sceirde Rocks Windfarm progresses plans for landmark renewable energy project

  • Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, a landmark Irish renewable energy project, submits application for consent for 450 MW offshore wind farm
  • Offshore wind project could power 350,000 Irish homes, save an estimated 550,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and invest up to €70m in local community initiatives

Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, a proposed offshore wind development off the western coast of Ireland, has taken an important step forward to delivering clean energy for the people of Ireland by submitting its application for consent.

The submission marks an important step forward in developing a landmark infrastructure project for the Galway region that has the potential to kickstart significant long-term investment in green enterprises and local economies. Should consent be granted and construction proceed, the project would also distribute €70m of funding through a 20-year community benefit fund to local organisations and community initiatives.

As a major renewable energy development, Sceirde Rocks Windfarm would make an important contribution to Ireland’s green energy transition, powering 350,000 Irish homes and saving approximately 550,000 tonnes of CO2 for each year it is in operation. Ireland has a target of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and has signed up to binding obligations on carbon reduction as a member of the European Union.

Michael Cloherty, Stakeholder Manager for Sceirde Rocks Windfarm said:

“This planning application marks the culmination of around three years of surveying, data analysis and community engagement activity. We have worked closely with the local community to design a project which we believe will deliver on their needs and expectations and we are grateful to everyone who met with our team and engaged with us throughout this process.”

“As a resident of Carna, I know how important it is to protect our cultural heritage and help our communities thrive. I’m extremely excited about the transformation that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could bring to our local communities in terms of jobs, investment and direct community funding – offshore wind has the potential to be a hugely important part of our collective future.”

The Community Benefit Fund that would accompany the construction of Sceirde Rocks Windfarm amounts to an estimated €3.5m per year over 20 years, with local communities helping to decide where and how funds are distributed. As a precursor to this fund, the project has provided around €150,000 of support to local community initiatives since 2023, with a focus on social inclusion, cultural heritage, sustainability, recreation and education.

As the first offshore wind farm proposed for Ireland’s west coast – the five other projects currently proposed for development are all situated off the eastern coastline – Sceirde Rocks also has the potential to establish West Galway as a critical offshore wind hub for the west of Ireland over the longer term. According to a report commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland in January 2024, the offshore wind sector as a whole could be worth up to €38bn to the Irish economy over the coming decades1.

Paul Concannon, Project Director of Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, said:

“Sceirde Rocks Windfarm has the potential to deliver enduring benefits to Ireland and to local communities in Galway – reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions, improving energy security, and stimulating vital investment in local skills, employment, infrastructure and business development.”

“We are proud to be a part of the unique communities of West Galway and proud to be playing a part in Ireland’s clean energy future. We look forward to having the opportunity to make a significant contribution to local and regional growth and the delivery of much-needed clean, renewable energy.”

Due to its location on the western seaboard, the timing of weather patterns and higher than average wind speeds, project analysis shows that Sceirde Rocks wind farm has a greater impact in reducing CO2 emissions from the Irish Electrical System than equivalent east coast projects (an 8% greater impact on average per unit of electricity).

The consent application is supported by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) that detail how the project might affect the natural environment as well as an array of appropriate mitigations3.

Subject to consent being granted, construction is currently expected to begin in 2026 with first generation of electricity from 2030.

Notes

1 See: New report identifies Ireland’s €38 billion offshore wind opportunity

2 The application submitted to An Bord Pleanála seeks consent for a proposed development of 30 turbines, which could have a maximum tip height of up to 325m and would be sited between 5 and 12 km from the nearest mainland point. The closest turbine to shore would be a minimum of 10 times further from a residential area than is permitted for onshore wind turbines based on current guidance.

3 The full Sceirde Rocks Windfarm consent application will be published by An Bord Pleanála.

4 Sceirde Rocks Windfarm is being developed by leading offshore wind business Corio Generation through the Irish and Gaeltacht based company Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta (FST). FST is a joint venture owned by Corio Generation, a portfolio company of Macquarie Asset Management, and global infrastructure investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Media contact

Ian Green, Senior Communications Manager

Corio Generation

Phone: +44 7523 268 314

Email: ian.green@coriogeneration.com