DP Energy and Iberdrola publish EIAR* Scoping Report for Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park off the south 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 Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park off the south 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 Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park.  The future EIAR will outline the potential effects that the project, if carried out, could have on the surrounding onshore and offshore environment. Located off the coast of counties Cork and Waterford, Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park has the potential to be an up to 1,000 MW (1GW) floating offshore wind project.

Consultation on the EIAR Scoping Report is now open until 21^st September 2022, with a copy of the EIAR Scoping Report available for review at the following locations from the 18^th of July:

• Carrigaline Library, Carrigaline Middle, Carrigaline.
• Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork City.
• Cork City Library, 61 Grand Parade, Cork City.
• Cork County Offices, Boycetown Carrigaline.
• Knockraha Community Hall, Gogganstown, Knockraha, Co. Cork.
• Midleton County Council offices, Youghal Rd, Park South, Midleton.
• Midleton Garda Station, Midleton, Co. Cork.
• Youghal County Council, Mall House, Youghal-Lands, Youghal.
• Youghal Library, North Main St, Youghal-Lands, Youghal.

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

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects, including the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park. 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.

Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigations being planned. Based on high-level modelling, it is estimated that,  Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park could generate enough clean renewable electricity to supply up to 1 million homes annually. The project, programmed to be operational by 2030, has potential to significantly contribute to Ireland’s national targets for renewable energy generation for 2030 and beyond.

Royal HaskoningDHV and Mott MacDonald 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, wildlife and human populations. 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 Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park is a significant milestone on the path to eventual preparation of a Development Permission 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: “Offshore wind has a positive role to play in Ireland`s energy transition and in creating economic opportunities. The EIAR Scoping Report is an important step forward in the process of ensuring that the project is designed in the best way possible”

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.