Wind Energy Ireland has welcomed the provisional results of today’s auction for the 900 MW Tonn Nua site off the coast of Waterford, describing it as a ‘great vote of confidence’ in Ireland for offshore wind investment.
The successful bidder, at a price of €98.72, is a joint venture between ESB and Orsted. This price compares favourably with results elsewhere in Europe over the last two years where some auctions have been unsuccessful.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Today’s auction is a great vote of confidence in Ireland as a place to invest for offshore wind energy. Tonn Nua will deliver enormous volumes of clean, affordable, electricity for Irish consumers and represents a huge economic opportunity for Waterford and the south-east of Ireland generally.
“We look forward to working with our colleagues in ESB/Orsted to ensure Tonn Nua is delivered and for it to be the foundation of a thriving offshore wind industry on the country’s south coast.
“The department deserves credit for a very well-designed auction terms and conditions which has delivered for Irish consumers at a strong price.”
No clarity on pipeline
However, Wind Energy Ireland pointed out that there is no clarity on the timeline for future projects.
Noel Cunniffe continued: “There are three other sites off Ireland’s south coast which have been identified for offshore wind energy but there is no clarity on when, how or even if they will move forward.
“The Government plans to publish a national map of new sites by the end of 2027 but until that is produced the development of further projects is effectively stalled.
“That makes it all the more important that industry and the relevant State agencies work together to ensure we deliver Tonn Nua and the five other existing projects off Ireland’s east coast.”
The 900 MW Tonn Nua site would be expected to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 800,000 Irish homes.