SSE Submits Plans for Major Offshore Wind Farm Off Wicklow Coast

Energy producer SSE is set to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála this week for its ambitious Arklow Bank 2 wind farm project. This development, located off the coast of Wicklow, will feature up to 56 turbines across 63 square kilometers, promising significant contributions to Ireland's renewable energy targets.

The Arklow Bank 2 wind farm is expected to have a capacity of 800 megawatts (MW), sufficient to power up to 850,000 homes annually. This project will play a vital role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 800,000 metric tonnes each year, aligning with Ireland's goal of achieving at least 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore renewable energy by 2030.

Why this matters: Ireland's goal of achieving at least 5 gigawatts of offshore renewable energy by 2030 relies on projects like Arklow Bank 2, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions and support local economies. The success of this project can set a precedent for similar initiatives, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The wind farm will stretch from south of Wicklow town to north of Courtown, along the coasts of Wicklow and Wexford. Each turbine will be installed on steel monopile foundations, and the project will include two offshore substation platforms and associated sub-sea cabling to connect the turbines to the national grid at a proposed landfall at Johnstown North, near Arklow town.

James O'Hara, Arklow Bank Project Director at SSE Renewables, highlighted the project's extensive development phase: "Our team of over 50 renewable energy professionals supported by a dedicated local supply chain has been working hard to deliver SSE's flagship Irish offshore wind farm – Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 – for almost seven years now."

The project is anticipated to deliver an overall national economic benefit of up to €800 million, with €400 million of that being local to the Wicklow and Wexford region. It is expected to support approximately 2,300 direct and indirect jobs throughout its delivery and operational lifetime.

Construction of Arklow Bank 2 could begin as early as 2026, with the first energy generated by 2029, subject to planning consent and a final investment decision by SSE. The company has already secured planning consent for an operations and maintenance base at Arklow Harbour, plus the substation and onshore cables needed to connect the offshore plant to the national electricity grid.

Despite the project's promise, some locals, conservationists, and the fishing community have expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact on the Irish Sea and the visual impact of the turbines. In response, SSE Renewables has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement as part of the planning application.

SSE Renewables' commitment to advancing renewable energy in Ireland is evident. O'Hara stated, "Now, we're pleased to announce we're submitting what we believe is a robust and compelling planning application to deliver a world-class renewable energy asset at Arklow Bank using the very latest offshore technology that can generate the additional green energy Ireland needs to meet 2030 renewable energy targets in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner."

As Ireland continues to push towards its renewable energy goals, the Arklow Bank 2 wind farm represents a significant step in reducing carbon emissions and supporting local economies. The project's success will depend on careful planning and addressing environmental concerns to ensure a sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

• SSE to submit planning application for Arklow Bank 2 wind farm, featuring 56 turbines off Wicklow coast.
• Project to have 800MW capacity, powering 850,000 homes and reducing CO2 emissions by 800,000 metric tonnes/year.
• Expected to deliver €800m national economic benefit, with €400m local to Wicklow and Wexford region.
• Project to support 2,300 direct and indirect jobs throughout delivery and operational lifetime.
• Construction could begin in 2026, with first energy generated by 2029, subject to planning consent and final investment decision.