Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 : SSE advances Irish offshore wind farm with planning application submission

SSE, a leading energy company listed on the FTSE 100, has taken a significant step forward in the development of its flagship Irish offshore wind farm, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2, by submitting a planning consent application to Ireland’s An Bord Pleanála. This marks a pivotal milestone in the project’s progression, aiming to bolster Ireland’s renewable energy infrastructure and meet its ambitious 2030 targets.

Milestone Submission for Arklow Bank Wind Park 2

The submission of the offshore planning consent application by Sure Partners Ltd. (SPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSE Plc under SSE Renewables, is the culmination of nearly seven years of dedicated development efforts. The application addresses the offshore infrastructure required for the Arklow Bank 2 project, strategically located off the coasts of Wicklow and North Wexford in the Irish Sea.

If approved, Arklow Bank Wind Park 2, with a potential capacity of up to 800MW, is set to significantly contribute to Ireland’s clean energy goals. The project is designed to produce enough renewable energy to power approximately 850,000 homes annually and could reduce carbon emissions by over 800,000 metric tons each year.

Comprehensive Development and Community Engagement

James O’Hara, Arklow Bank Project Director at SSE Renewables, emphasized the project’s importance: “Our team of over 50 renewable energy professionals supported by a dedicated local supply chain has been working hard to deliver SSE’s flagship Irish offshore wind farm – Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 – for almost seven years now.” O’Hara highlighted the project’s role in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets and its potential to bring significant socio-economic benefits, including an estimated €800 million in national economic impact and the creation of up to 2,300 direct and indirect jobs.

The planning application proposes the construction of up to 56 wind turbines on steel monopile foundations across an area of approximately 63 km². It also includes the development of two offshore substation platforms and extensive subsea cabling to connect the wind farm to Ireland’s national grid at Johnstown North, north of Arklow Town.

Extensive Preparatory Work and Public Consultation

Prior to the application submission, SSE and SPL engaged in a comprehensive public consultation process with local communities in Wicklow and Wexford, which played a crucial role in refining the project plans. These consultations, coupled with the strategic vision for the project, have been instrumental in ensuring that the development aligns with both community interests and environmental standards.

Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 has already secured multiple consents, including a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) for the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the wind farm. In addition, planning permissions for necessary onshore infrastructure such as a 220kV substation at Avoca River Park and a state-of-the-art Operations and Maintenance Facility at South Dock, Arklow Harbour, have been granted.

Looking Ahead: Project Timelines and Impact

Subject to planning approval and a final investment decision by SSE, construction of Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 could commence as early as 2026, with the first energy generation expected by 2029. This project not only supports Ireland’s target of achieving at least 5GW of offshore renewable energy by 2030 but also exemplifies a model for sustainable development with substantial national and regional benefits.