Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm announces sponsorship to provide essential funding for the Native Oyster Reef Restoration Ireland (NORRI) project off the East Coast of Ireland

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy, and global energy leader Iberdrola have announced a new sponsorship deal  for the Native Oyster Reef Restoration Ireland (NORRI) project under the Joint Venture Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm, located off the East Coast of Ireland.

The sponsorship deal will provide funding for the habitat restoration and conservation of oyster reef habitats by NORRI at two sites located off the Murrough in Wicklow Town and off the Arklow North/ South coastal area, further demonstrating DP Energy and Iberdrola’s commitment to supporting the restoration of biodiversity in coastal waters and coastal protection.

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.

Located off the coasts of Wicklow and Wexford, the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm is a 1,000 MW (1GW) fixed-bottom offshore wind project.

The Shelmalere project is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigation surveys being planned. Once operational, it will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 860,000 homes. The project is programmed to be operational by 2030 and will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Commenting on the sponsorship milestone, Yvonne Cronin DP Energy’s Community and Stakeholder Liaison Manager said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the NORRI project and to be involved with the brilliant work that is done by the NORRI Team. This is a long term commitment by DP Energy to the biodiversity of the East Coast and underlines the commitment that the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm through DP Energy and Iberdrola has for an ethical and sustainable approach to offshore wind development.”

Declan McMahon, Iberdrola’s Offshore Development Senior Project Manager said “The NORRI project will enhance the biodiversity of Ireland`s coastal waters for generations to come. Work to restore oyster reefs will protect the habitat for hundreds of species. It is an important project, and we are pleased to be able to play a role in supporting this work.”

Prof. Anamarija Frankić, Ph.D.  Native Oyster Reef Restoration Ireland Project Spokesperson said “NORRI has been working with local community stakeholders, and through this collaboration with DP Energy and Iberdrola, we are going to be able to implement the first pilot native oyster reef restoration project in Arklow.”

DP Energy and Iberdrola publish EIAR* Scoping Report for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Ireland

*Environmental Impact Assessment Report

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy, and global energy leader Iberdrola have published an EIAR Scoping Report for their proposed Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Ireland.

The EIAR Scoping Report sets out the proposed scope of and methodology for use in the preparation of the future Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm.  The future EIAR will outline the potential effects that the proposed project, if carried out, could have on the surrounding onshore and offshore environment. Located off the coast of counties Wicklow and Wexford, Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm has the potential to be an up to 1,000 MW (1GW) fixed-bottom offshore wind project.

Consultation for the EIAR Scoping Report is now open until the 1st of September 2022, with a copy of the EIAR Scoping Report available for review at the following locations:

  • Wexford County Council offices
  • Arklow Municipal District Council offices
  • Wexford Town Library
  • Courtown Harbour Garda Station
  • Gorey Library
  • Enniscorthy Library
  • Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Offices

The EIAR Scoping Report can also be viewed online at the project website www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com/EIAR.

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects, including the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm. 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.

The Shelmalere project is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigations surveys being planned. Once operational, it could generate enough clean renewable electricity to supply up to 1 million homes annually. The project is programmed to be operational by 2030 and will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Fehily Timoney and Company, MarineSpace and Intertek were appointed earlier this year to develop a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report to examine the potential impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding environment including sea, land and wildlife. The appraisal to be set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will look at the full project lifecycle from site investigations to construction and right through to operation and eventual decommissioning of the wind farm.

Edwina White, DP Energy’s Consenting and Environment Manager, said: “Publication of the EIAR Scoping Report for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm is a significant milestone on the path to eventual preparation of a Development Consent Application for the project, supported by a robust and fitting EIAR. We very much look forward to engaging with all project stakeholders on the proposed approach to the EIAR set out in this EIAR Scoping Report.”

Declan McMahon, Iberdrola’s Offshore Development Senior Project Manager, said: We would encourage everyone who has an interest in the project to look at the proposals and let us know your views. We want to ensure that Shelmalere is positive for both national clean energy goals and for local communities.”

DP Energy would like to hear from anyone with any queries or comments about the EIAR Scoping Report. Please email [email protected] to get in touch.

Ready, Steady, Paint! Local Wexford school students create their vision for a sustainable future with new mural

Students from 6th Class at St Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett, Wexford, have created a Green Energy mural for their playground with the help of artists from the Walls Project. The mural is the prize for the winning class of a Green Energy Art Competition organised by STEAM Education and supported by renewable energy companies DP Energy and Iberdrola as part of their community engagement for the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm project.

The competition was the culmination of STEAM Education, DP Energy and Iberdrola’s partnership on a Green Energy and Climate Action Education Programme, which saw over 400 students along the east coast in the vicinity of the proposed Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm learn about climate change and engineering.  Participating pupils were asked to create their vision of a “seascape of the future” with a focus on renewable energy. The winner received a school mural inspired by their entry and a €50 One4all voucher.

The Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes has engaged 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 are 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.

The Walls Project, creators of the Waterford Walls initiative, were commissioned to create the mural inspired by Kate’s entry. Artists Aisling Corcoran and Fiona Brady began the day with a Street Art Skills Workshop, teaching the 6th class students how to use spray paints, practicing with stencils and paper before taking their talents outside to their playground wall.

A second mural will be painted in South Abbey National School, Youghal, Co. Cork in the coming weeks, inspired by South coast winner Vito Beganovic’s entry.

The Walls Project creates and delivers large- and small-scale public art projects which transform and regenerate urban and rural spaces and connect communities through art. Bloom | The Art Project was founded by Aisling Corcoran and Frances Brady after discovering their shared vision to bring joy and happiness to people and communities through art.

Alice D’Arcy, Managing Director of STEAM Education said “the standard of the entries we received was extremely high, with some fantastic ideas for the future of renewable energy on display as well as very impressive artistic talent. We selected Kate Smith from St Mary’s Ballygarrett as our East Coast winner as her entry captured perfectly both the power of wind energy and the importance of biodiversity, key aspects of our Climate Action programme.”

DP Energy Community Liaison Officer Lisa Enright said that “it has been fantastic to have the opportunity to support education programmes that get children interested in vital areas like sustainability and green energy. Creative initiatives like this one are so important to get kids imagining what a sustainable future could look like and how they can be a part of it.” 

DP Energy and Iberdrola appoint lead Environmental consultants for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Ireland

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy, and global energy leader Iberdrola have appointed Irish environmental consultants Fehily Timoney and Company, together with Intertek and MarineSpace, to lead the production of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the proposed offshore wind project off the east coast of Ireland.

Irish based Fehily Timoney and Company has been awarded the work as lead consultant alongside Intertek and MarineSpace as partner consultants for the proposed Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm, further demonstrating DP Energy and Iberdrola’s commitment to supporting the local economy.

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.

Located off the coasts of Wicklow and Wexford, the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm is a 1,000 MW (1GW) fixed-bottom offshore wind project.

The Shelmalere project is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigation surveys being planned. Once operational, it will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 860,000 homes. The project is programmed to be operational by 2030 and will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Fehily Timoney and Company, Intertek and MarineSpace will deliver a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report to examine the potential impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding environment including sea, land and wildlife.  The appraisal to be set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will look at the full project lifecycle from site investigations to construction and right through to operation and eventual decommissioning of the wind farm.

The EIAR will also report on potential impacts of the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm Project on other key receptors including commercial fisheries, fish ecology, landscape, seascape, cultural heritage, tourism, transport and aviation.

Edwina White, DP Energy’s Consenting and Environment Manager, said: ‘A significant milestone has been achieved in the appointment of Cork-headquartered Fehily Timoney & Company as lead consultant tasked with delivering a robust Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm.  We are delighted that the project will benefit from the expertise and experience offered by Fehily Timoney & Company, and that of their strong partners for this project, MarineSpace & Intertek.  With this key appointment, we’re one step closer to the ultimate goal of delivering Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm to help Ireland reach its climate targets.’

Declan McMahon, Iberdrola’s Offshore Development Senior Project Manager, said: “Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm has the potential to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits for Ireland. The project is progressing well, and we are pleased to welcome the experience of Fehily Timoney and Company, MarineSpace and Intertek on to the team”

Commenting on the appointment, Jim Hughes, Director of Fehily Timoney and Company said: “This is a very important project for Fehily Timoney and Company, a wholly Irish owned engineering, scientific and planning consultancy. We look forward to growing our relationship with DP Energy and Iberdrola and lead a robust environmental assessment of the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm project with Intertek and MarineSpace. The project team brings a blend of local knowledge with extensive international experience in the offshore renewable energy sector.

A public information event for the Shelmalere project took place on Thursday the 10th of March 2022, and a recording is now available on the project website at www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com.

A number of further public consultation events will be announced over the coming year along with a virtual consultation room for the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm project to open shortly.

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. 

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