The significance of a smooth planning process will be essential if the South East is to play its part in the delivery of offshore renewable energy (ORE) between now and 2034.
That was one of the key points made by several speakers during the launch of a major report exploring the economic, business and community opportunities for ORE held at the Port of Waterford in Belview yesterday (Monday, March 10th).
The report, which was funded by the local authorities in Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford and Wexford, identifies the need for up to €250m worth of investment in Belview and at neighbouring Rosslare Europort.
Both facilities will play a key role in the delivery of the offshore turbines which are set to be constructed for the Tonn Nua (‘New Wave’) wind farm off the Waterford coast.
The delivery of Tonn Nua will be a lengthy process with site surveys set to be conducted at sea this summer, followed by environmental assessments between now and 2028.
A final investment decision on the ESB/Orsted joint venture is expected by 2031 with construction (conditional on planning approval) scheduled to take place between 2031 and 2033.
The farm, which will consist of 60 wind turbines (with 150-metre high towers and a maximum tip height of 270m) will be built across a 306 square kilometre site and is due to be operational by 2034.
A “generational opportunity” will be met should the South East deliver on its offshore energy potential according to Port of Waterford Chief Executive David Sinnott who, along with Kilkenny County Council CEO Lar Power and economist Jim Power, spoke to KCLR News following the report’s launch.
