GIG acquires developer of planned Irish offshore wind farm

Sceirde Rocks is a proposed 400 MW offshore wind farm which will power the equivalent of up to 295,000 homes. When operational, it’s estimated the project will reduce Irish carbon emissions by up to 457 Kt CO₂ emissions avoided per annum.

The renewable energy project is at the vanguard of Ireland’s offshore energy revolution, having been designated as one of seven ‘Relevant Status’ developments by the Department of Environment, Climate Action and Communications. This designation positions the Sceirde Rocks development to be in the first wave of offshore wind projects in Ireland for delivery by 2030.

GIG said, it is committed to working with local suppliers wherever possible to support employment and investment opportunities across the region. The recent publication of the Maritime Area Planning Bill will create a new planning framework for the development of offshore wind projects in Ireland. The project will work within this framework to complete the design of the project before a planning application is submitted. Development work is expected to continue for a number of years and members of the FST team which secured ‘Relevant Status’ for the project will continue to support and advise the project.

"We are delighted to have attracted a developer of the quality of Green Investment Group to the Sceirde Rocks project. This project will be the largest ever infrastructure project in Connemara and will position Galway as a leader in Ireland’s new green energy economy. In order to achieve that, it was vital that we brought in the financial and technical capabilities that GIG can deliver. Our team has been rooted in Connemara from day 1. We have had exceptional support from the local community, and from agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, and look forward to continuing these relationships with GIG,” said Joe Lee, FST Director.