Simply Blue Energy has started developing a project off Ireland’s west coast that will feature a hybrid floating offshore wind farm and wave energy conversion array.
Western Star Wind, named Project Ilen, is a 1.1 GW floating offshore wind project located at least 35 km offshore Co. Clare.
Western Star Wave, named Project Saoirse, is a pre-commercial demonstration wave energy conversion project located 4-6 km offshore Co. Clare, starting with 5 MW of capacity.
Simply Blue Group is working with CorPower Ocean and EIT Innoenergy to develop the Saoirse project.
Preliminary Front End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) and offshore survey activities have been initiated in parallel with continued stakeholder engagement activity.
A foreshore site investigation license application was submitted in December last year, the company said.
“Ireland’s development of floating wind sites continues and we are delighted to be introducing wave energy to the energy mix. We believe that the combination of the two technologies will deliver significant system benefits to help economies move to net zero. It is fantastic to see Ireland lead the way on this approach,” said Sam Roch-Perks , MD of the Simply Blue Group.