DP Energy and Iberdrola appoint lead Environmental consultants for Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park off the south coast of Ireland

The Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park project has taken a significant step forward with the appointment of a world-leading Environmental team. DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy, and global energy leader Iberdrola have appointed Royal HaskoningDHV together with Mott MacDonald to lead the production of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the proposed offshore wind project off the south coast of Ireland.

Royal HaskoningDHV has been awarded the work as lead consultant, alongside Mott MacDonald as a partner consultant, which will be supporting the project from its Dublin and Cork offices, 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 South Coast, the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park is a 1,000 MW (1GW) floating offshore wind project.

The Inis Ealga project is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigation surveys being planned. Once operational, the floating offshore wind farm will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 860,000 Irish homes. The project is programmed to be operational by 2030, and will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% of Ireland’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030 and will also help deliver Ireland’s target of 30GW of operational offshore wind by 2030.

Royal HaskoningDHV and Mott MacDonald 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 throughout the 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 the potential impacts of the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park on other key receptors including commercial fisheries, fish ecology, landscape, seascape, cultural heritage, tourism, transport and aviation.

Adam Cronin, DP Energy’s Head of Offshore said: “This announcement is a significant step in the proposed development of the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park and a significant contributor to Ireland reaching its climate action goals. Royal HaskoningDHV are industry leaders in delivering Environmental Impact Assessment Reports and this, coupled with Mott MacDonald’s expertise and local knowledge, will enable us to complete this important project for the south west coast of Ireland. We look forward to working together in the years ahead.”

Declan McMahon, Iberdrola’s Offshore Development Project Manager, said: “Inis Ealga is progressing well and this contract marks an important milestone for the project. These detailed studies will help us to design an offshore windfarm that will benefit both local communities and national climate goals.”

Commenting on the appointment, Alistair Davison, Royal HaskoningDHV’s EIAR Project Director, said: “We are delighted to be supporting DP Energy and Iberdrola to create the comprehensive and robust EIAR for the Inis Ealga consent application. Supporting the development of one of the first major floating offshore wind farms in Ireland is an exciting prospect indeed.  We are also really pleased to be working with Mott MacDonald. Our project teams are integrating well and we feel this is a strong partnership with great potential.”

A public information evening took place for the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park project last month, with a series of public consultation events to be announced over the coming period. A recording of the evening is available on the project website at https://inisealgamarineenergypark.com/community/.

A virtual consultation room is currently open for the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park project and is available at https://www.innovision.ie/inisealga.