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.