SSE Renewables has reaffirmed its commitment to the future delivery of its proposed up to 800MW Arklow Bank Wind Park II offshore wind project, being developed off the coasts of County Wicklow and North Wexford in Ireland.
This follows news that the wholly owned SSE project did not secure a contract for renewable energy generation in Ireland’s first competitive auction for offshore wind, the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1). The up to 800MW Arklow Bank Wind Park II is being developed in an area situated between six and 15km to the east of Arklow. The project, which builds on the existing GE-owned seven turbines that comprise the operational first phase of the wind park, would comprise between 36 and a maximum of 60 turbines situated on the Arklow Bank. Construction of Arklow Bank Wind Park II would require an investment of up to €2.5 billion and had been targeting first power in 2028 and completion in 2029, subject to securing a route to market and a final investment decision. SSE Renewables will now proceed to submit a planning application later this year to Ireland’s planning board, An Bord Pleanála, whilst it explores ORESS contracts and other routes to market.
