– Oriel wind farm will lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála for a proposed offshore wind farm in the North Irish Sea
– The project will feature 25 wind turbines with a generating capacity of up to 375 MW, aiming to power 300,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions
– The planning process is expected to take up to 12 months, with potential construction beginning in 2026 and operational by 2028, contributing to Ireland’s renewable energy goals
Oriel Wind Farm, located off the north Co Louth coast, is set to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála for its proposed offshore wind farm in the North Irish Sea. The project will include 25 wind turbines with a generating capacity of up to 375 MW, enough to power around 300,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions in Ireland. The development is a joint venture between JERA Nex, ESB, and Parkwind, with construction possibly starting in 2026 and operations commencing by 2028.
Although Oriel did not secure a State-subsidized contract last year, the project will still generate electricity for the Irish market and help the country reach its renewable energy targets. The offshore wind farm is expected to have a significant impact on increasing Ireland’s renewable energy generation, aligning with the country’s goal of having 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Oriel’s development will also provide economic and community benefits, including a multi-million euro community fund for the Northeast region throughout the wind farm’s operational life.
The project received Maritime Area Consent from the Irish government in 2022, allowing it to progress with the planning application process. Oriel’s development signifies a major milestone in Ireland’s move towards offshore wind energy and its commitment to sustainability.