The development of the Dublin Array offshore wind farm is progressing with the submission of its planning application to An Bord Pleanála . This project is located off the coasts of Dublin and Wicklow and has the potential to generate up to 824 megawatts ( MW ) of renewable energy.
The Dublin Array offshore wind farm
The Dublin Array wind farm is a joint initiative between RWE and Saorgus Energy . Its construction was carried out in accordance with the country’s Climate Action Plan , which seeks to cover 80% of electricity demand with renewable sources by 2030. In addition, it will contribute to Ireland’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The planned location for the Dublin Array is 10 kilometres off the coast, with a design of between 39 and 50 wind turbines . If the planning application is approved and a financial investment decision is made, construction could begin in 2027, with operations planned for 2030 .
The construction phase of the wind farm would require more than 800 full-time equivalent jobs , while the operational phase would generate around 80 direct jobs and 160 indirect jobs . In addition, the operational base will be established in Dún Laoghaire , generating an estimated financial impact of between €450 and €650 million over the life of the farm.
The Dublin Array project proposes the creation of a Community Benefit Fund of up to €6.5 million per year for 20 years. This fund will be managed by a local committee to support community initiatives.
The Dublin Array project has had a Maritime Area Consent ( MAC ) since 2022 and was successful in the first auction of the Marine Renewable Electricity Support Scheme ( ORESS ) in 2023. With these advances, the initiative is emerging as a component in Ireland’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix.
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Source and photo: Dublin Array
