On May 11, 2023, at the first auction for marine renewable energy development in Ireland, the Codling Wind Park project company, owned by EDF Renewables and Fred. Olsen Seawind, has won the largest offshore wind project in the country.
EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned transmission operator, has provisionally awarded Codling Wind Park the largest of the four projects proposed under Ireland’s marine renewable energy development program (ORESS). Final results will be published by mid-June 2023.
This major project, with an installed capacity of approximately 1.3 GW, is expected to provide enough electricity to power more than one million Irish homes annually. In addition, the low-carbon electricity production of this wind farm will save nearly 2 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. It is scheduled to be commissioned in 2029.
Codling Wind Park: A major investment in Ireland’s energy infrastructure
Matthieu Hue, Managing Director of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, commented on this success: “Through our consortium with Fred. Olsen Seawind, we are delighted with the success of Codling Wind Park. This offshore wind farm, the largest in Ireland, will play a major role in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets and energy supply. EDF Renewables is a major player in the global offshore wind energy market. We are committed to using this international experience to help develop Ireland’s huge offshore wind energy potential. We will work closely with our partners, the Irish government and the territory to bring to life what will be one of the largest energy infrastructure investments of this decade in Ireland.”
Lars Bender, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Seawind, also expressed his satisfaction: “We are delighted with this result. It shows the good collaboration between the partners and with the supply chain. Today’s success is the result of all the efforts made by the Codling Wind Park project and its shareholders. On behalf of the partners, we would like to thank everyone involved. We look forward to continuing this project and working closely with the local communities, government and the offshore wind industry. This project will develop Ireland’s offshore wind energy capabilities and contribute to the country’s climate change goals.”
Scott Sutherland and Thomas Gellert, co-directors of the Codling Wind Park project, emphasized the importance of this victory for Ireland: “This is a great day in the fight against climate change and for Ireland’s energy independence. The success of the Codling Wind Park bid, which represents Ireland’s largest offshore project with a capacity of 1.3 GW, will enable the country to move forward in its energy transition. Ireland has huge potential for low carbon electricity generation through offshore wind. The results of these auctions reinforce the confidence in the country’s ability to exploit the opportunities offered by marine renewable energy.
Codling Wind Park: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Power Project Takes the Fight Against Climate Change to a New Level
The project co-leaders are also committed to working closely with the government, national agencies and local communities to ensure that the benefits of renewable electricity generation can be enjoyed by the Irish people. They expressed their willingness to develop Ireland’s expertise in offshore wind energy and to contribute to the country’s climate change objectives.
The award of Ireland’s largest offshore wind project to Codling Wind Park marks an important step in the country’s energy transition. By harnessing the potential of offshore wind energy, Ireland is making a strong commitment to a more sustainable future and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
By winning Ireland’s largest offshore wind project, Codling Wind Park is leading the way to a more sustainable energy future for the country. With an installed capacity of 1.3 GW, this major project will provide enough electricity to power more than one million Irish homes each year, while helping to save nearly 2 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. This award marks a major step in Ireland’s energy transition, demonstrating its commitment to harnessing marine renewable energy to combat climate change on a global scale.
