Ireland issues first offshore wind maritime consents

The seven Phase One projects to receive consents are Parkwind and ESB's 375MW Oriel Wind Park, SSE Renewables' Arklow Bank 2, RWE and Saorgus' 900MW Dublin Array, Statkraft's 500MW North Irish Sea Array, EDF and Fred Olsen's 1.5GW Codling Wind Park (Codling 1 and Codling 2), and Corio Generation's 450MW Skerd Rocks.

The award of MACs ensures that only projects with the greatest viability to deliver Ireland’s ambitious energy targets can progress into the planning system. The award of a MAC follows a comprehensive assessment, by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, into each project’s financial and technical competency. This approach enables all Phase One projects to begin their pre-planning application engagement with An Bord Pleanála.

The award of a MAC also enables Phase One projects to participate in the ORESS 1, the first auction for offshore wind under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). ORESS 1 is expected to procure approximately 2.5GW of electricity generating capacity.

Speaking following the award of the State’s first offshore energy MACs, Minister Ryan said:

"With the award of Maritime Area Consents [MACs] to seven Phase One projects today, we have given Ireland’s most viable and well-advanced offshore energy projects the opportunity to progress through the planning system and reach development. This is a significant milestone on the pathway to decarbonising our energy supply and securing energy independence.

"These first Maritime Area Consents [MACs] have been carefully drafted to promote the speedy and efficient deployment of offshore renewable energy, while ultimately protecting the State’s rich and unique maritime resource, in line with the principles of the National Marine Planning Framework."

Projects which have been granted a MAC will be required to apply for development permission and secure a route to market within set timeframes, ensuring project progression and maximising benefits to the State. Phase One projects are also required to pay an annual levy to the State – under the terms of their MACs.

The grant of Phase One MACs follows the opening of the MAC assessment window in April, and the publication of the ORESS Terms and Conditions in early November. It was enabled by the enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act last year, and indicates the strong commitment across Government to deliver a secure pipeline of offshore renewable energy projects in the State, which can meet our Climate Action Plan targets.