DP Energy and Iberdrola open new Ireland Offshore Wind Office in Horgan’s Quay, Cork City

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, and global energy leader Iberdrola have officially opened their new Ireland Offshore Wind Joint Venture Office in Horgan’s Quay, Cork City. The new 1,300 sq. ft facility at 1 Horgan’s Quay on Waterfront Square in Cork City was officially unveiled by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

This is the second DP Energy office in Cork, with their global headquarters based in Buttevant. The Irish offshore team currently consists of 17 people based in Cork, with plans to expand the team throughout the various stages of project development.

Micheál Martin, An Taoiseach, said: “It is a great honour to open this brand new state-of-the-art office in the heart of Cork City for one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy – DP Energy. It is a tremendously exciting time for the company and for the region of Cork to be able to do their critical work at this world-class base. Renewable energy will play a significant role across the island’s future as we look to prosper and grow in a truly sustainable manner. I look forward to seeing DP Energy and Iberdrola’s progress at home and abroad as we look to work together for a green future for the entire nation.”

Simon De Pietro, CEO at DP Energy, said: “We are delighted that An Taoiseach Micheál Martin joined us today to open this office facility in the heart of Cork City. DP Energy has for many years carried out renewable energy developments (wind, solar and ocean energy) globally from its headquarters in Buttevant. This new office is a significant milestone in our aim to complete offshore wind projects in the seas around Ireland alongside our Joint Venture partners Iberdrola. We have built up a significant amount of global expertise in renewable energy over the past 30 years and we are delighted to be in a position to bring this to Ireland to help the country achieve its Climate Action goals and support the battle against climate change. It has been truly exciting to see our team grow both in Ireland and internationally and this new office in Cork will provide a springboard for continued success, while also contributing to the local Cork economy.”

Commenting on the milestone, Charlie Jordan, Iberdrola UK and Ireland Offshore Wind Director, said: “Ireland can be at the forefront of Europe’s offshore wind sector, and benefit from billions of euros of investment and the creation of thousands of highly skilled jobs. We are delivering major offshore wind projects all over the world, and it is clear to Ireland has excellent conditions to grow this new clean energy sector. DP Energy is one of Ireland’s renewable energy pioneers and our new office facilities are a sign of a shared commitment to deliver new offshore wind projects here. We were delighted to welcome the Taoiseach today to discuss our plans for the years ahead.”
DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers, Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and, importantly, shares DP Energy’s commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development.

DP Energy and Iberdrola have submitted Investigative Foreshore Licence Applications for three off-shore wind projects around the Irish Coast:
• Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park, off the coast of Cork and Waterford (floating)
• Clarus Offshore Wind Farm, off the coast of Clare and Kerry (floating)
• Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm, off the coast of Wicklow and Wexford (fixed)
Once operational, the three off-shore wind projects will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of 2.6 million Irish homes. Delivery of these schemes, hoped to be operational between 2028 and 2030, will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Supporting post-2030 Government aspirations of 30GW of offshore renewables, the DP Energy / Iberdrola joint venture will also be responsible for developing future offshore wind pipelines in Ireland.

Further information is also available on the project websites www.inisealgamarineenergypark.com, www.clarusoffshorewindfarm.com and www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com.

STEAM Education Ltd supporting Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes in Primary Schools, in partnership with DP Energy and Iberdrola

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, and global energy leader Iberdrola have joined forces with STEAM Education Ltd to launch a series of Green Energy and Climate Action Education Programmes to inspire the next wave of climate scientists, engineers, artists and active citizens.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths and the mission of the organisation is to inspire children to love STEAM subjects, with the help of its partners and community.

The Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes will engage 4th to 6th class students in approximately 20 local schools along the South Coast and East Coast with some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Through a range of participatory activities and creative and scientific processes, the children will be supported to understand the key issues about the Climate Crisis and encouraged to engage in positive climate action in their schools, homes and wider communities.

Classes will receive a five-lesson STEAM programme, focusing either on Engineering or Climate Action. The Engineering programme will introduce the various types of engineering, its role in the development of renewable energy sources, and will engage children in a series of challenges that will develop their creative and critical thinking. The Climate Action programme will explore the science of climate change, its causes and effects, as well as the development of sustainable solutions.

DP Energy will directly assist the programme by supporting STEAM in the delivery of several lessons in person and actively engaging with students during the activities to provide industry expertise.

According to Managing Director of STEAM Education, Dr. Alice D’Arcy: “Supporting children and young people to think creatively, work collaboratively, and understand the science behind the climate crisis are key to empowering them to deal with the significant issues coming down the tracks; we are thrilled that innovative companies like DP and Iberdrola both recognise and support the necessity for, and value in this approach, and look forward to helping build resilient communities together.”

Welcoming the launch, Lisa Enright, Community Liaison Officer, at DP Energy said: “We are delighted with the opportunity to engage with the community and to assist with the development of educational programmes and support school-based activities that will strengthen the interest of the students in science and research activities and to enhance their aspirations in these areas.”

DP Energy is one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects. Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork and operating across the world, the company is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods possible in all of their energy developments.

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with global energy leader Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers, Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and, importantly, shares DP Energy’s commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development.

Located off the South Coast of Ireland, the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park will utilise Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) technology located off the East Coast of Ireland, the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm will utilise Fixed Bottom Technology. Upon completion, the developments will have the potential capacity of up to 1000 MW each – enough clean green energy to power up to 1 million Irish homes. Planned to be operational by 2030, the facilities will directly contribute to Ireland’s climate objective to reduce CO2 emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieve Net-Zero by 2050.

Commenting on the importance of inspiring the next generation, Holly Cartwright, Head of Offshore Development – UK and Ireland said: “The transition to green energy is vital for the environment and it will also offer a wide-range of sustainable career opportunities for decades to come. We hope that the programme can help to inspire some of the students to think about a STEAM-related career that supports the fight against climate change.”

Further information is also available on the project websites www.inisealgamarineenergypark.com and www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com

Students of Templebreedy National School, Image by Darragh Kane.