450 MW Sceirde Rocks Wind Farm Halts development
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Corio Generation has decided to halt the development of its 450MW Sceirde Rocks offshore wind project off the west coast of Ireland, despite recently submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanala.
The news which broke last friday 11th April by The Currency deals a big blow to the marine industry and Government's climate targets.
The proposed development of 30 fixed-bottom turbines off Carna, Co Galway, raised concerns by some about their proximity to the coastline, though it was welcomed by other groups as a significant economic investment in the region.
Corio Generation had committed to a €70 million community fund over 20 years. The wind farm was one of the six offshore projects in the planning system, and on which Ireland is relying to meet its 2030 climate targets. Four of the projects won State contracts to deliver renewable energy to the national grid.
Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta, the Connemara development was due to install turbines more than 300 metres tall, located 5km to 11.5km off the coast. It was designed to generate 450 megawatts – enough to power 350,000 homes and avoid 550,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent in emissions every year.
The news website The Currency reported that sources close to Corio Generation had indicated recent survey work had meant it was not in a position to proceed.
Earlier last week, however, Corio Generation said it plans to restructure its offshore wind development business to focus on a smaller portfolio of projects.
A spokesperson for Corio Generation stated: “Given challenging market conditions in the offshore wind sector, Corio Generation is refocusing its global operations to prioritise the development of a smaller portfolio of projects which have the clearest route through to construction.