EDF Renewables has made its first step into the Irish market after acquiring a 50% share of the Codling offshore wind project.
It has been acquired from Hazel Shore, and EDF will now work with Fred Olsen Renewables who own the other 50% to complete the project.
Codling sits 13km off the coast of County Wicklow, and is made up of two sites. The initial site, Codling 1, is consented, and when completed the project is expected to have a capacity of 1GW.
EDF Renewable’s move into the Irish market comes after the government adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2019 that called for 70% of the country’s electricity to come from renewables. Offshore wind is expected to grow to meet 3.5GW of this capacity
Bruno Bensasson, EDF group senior executive vice-president renewable energies and chief executive officer of EDF Renewables said the company was “committed to contributing to the Irish government’s renewables goals”.
“This important project clearly strengthens our strong ambition to be a leading global player in the offshore wind industry. This is consistent with the CAP 2030 strategy that aims to double EDF’s renewable energy generation by 2030 and increase it to 50 GW net.”
Globally, EDF Renewables is continuing to grow its offshore wind portfolio, with 6GW of capacity in operation, under construction or development in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, China and in the United States.
A number of companies have announced projects in Ireland recently, as they seek to take advantage of the growing opportunity in the country, as well as the government’s new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).
Spanish giant Iberdrola announced its entry to the market as it launched a new energy supplier and €100 million worth of investments into renewables and battery storage last June.
ScottishPower is pursuing a new hybrid power strategy for the UK and Ireland, combining solar and battery storage with wind on both existing and new sites, while Statkraft completed its first Irish battery project, with a 11MW set to participate in the upcoming DS3 flexibility market last month.
Along with wind and battery projects, many are targeting solar developments in Ireland thanks to the RESS as there is a “huge opportunity” for the technology.