Department releases critical geophysical data for State’s second offshore wind auction
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Source: DECC press release
Following the government’s recent approval of the agreed terms for Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, ORESS ‘‘Tonn Nua’’, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has now made critical geophysical data sets available. These datasets will support prospective auction participants in their analysis to better inform and de-risk bid preparations.
The announcement comes as momentum continues to grow in the offshore renewables energy (ORE) sector with thousands of delegates gathering in Dublin for the two-day Wind Energy Trade Show, which opened on 6 November. The Tonn Nua auction terms and conditions were agreed on 30 October 2024 as the government continues to accelerate policy in the ORE space.
The data release also follows the recent Oireachtas approval of the State’s first spatial plan for ORE development — the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC DMAP). Tonn Nua will be the first ORE auction to be held within a DMAP. Along with the Tonn Nua auction site, the SC DMAP identifies four maritime areas off the south coast in which ORE development will take place over the next decade. All four maritime areas are located off the Cork, Waterford and Wexford coast.
This approach offers further certainty to ORE developers by ensuring that future ORE windfarm developments will be led by maritime spatial plans identified by Government and approved by the Oireachtas. It also protects the marine environment and supports citizens reliant on the sea. Tonn Nua will procure 900 megawatts of clean energy from a site off coast of County Waterford, with auction bidding process expected to take place early next year.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications said:
"The recent announcements on our next offshore wind auction, including the release of this geophysical data, is a strong signal that Government is determined to deliver our very ambitious offshore renewable energy targets.
“Ireland has enormous offshore wind potential, and along with delivering cleaner and more secure energy to our homes and businesses, renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionise our economy, offering significant regional and national economic benefits. Our first offshore auction in 2023 overperformed all expectations and I have every confidence that we will continue to build of its success.”
Links to the access the datasets: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d1d44-geophysical-data-for-tonn-nua-offshore-wind-auction/
Notes to Editor:
Geophysical survey
Data is critical to advancing Irelands renewable energy goals and securing its energy future. Ireland has ambitious offshore renewable energy targets and the meeting of these targets hinges on comprehensive data and surveys to assess site feasibility, environmental impacts, and logistical considerations. Geophysical survey data is required to determine the bathymetry, assess the seabed and sub-bottom conditions, identify seabed characteristics including soil type and sub-bottom geohazards and terrain models. Geophysical surveys may also inform optimal placement of turbines. Following a 6-week public consultation, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, through the Marine Institute, mobilised the ‘Tom Crean’ research vessel to conduct a geophysical survey within the SC DMAP. This survey ran from 6 July 2024 until 12 September 2024. Geophysical data from both the Tonn Nua and Lí Ban auction sites was collected.
More information and further Notes to the Editor available below: