Exporting energy the Dublin Array way

When considering the big picture of wind energy (onshore and offshore) one perceived scenario is the generation of electrical energy for consumption within that country’s borders. Proponents of Irish wind energy are however taking a more lateral view, relevant perhaps given the Irish government reportedly being undecided on the details of their subsidies for renewable energy technologies.

As with many countries, Ireland’s wind energy potential is greater than its own domestic needs, a factor that could open the door to the opportunity to export electricity to Great Britain. It is a possibility that will be welcomed by those advocating a European supergrid crossing national borders and helping iron out the peaks and troughs of supply and demand, particularly with the growth in renewables.

Opponents of Irish onshore windfarms noted this element in the debate at a recent renewable power conference, The Irish Times reporting them using the slogan ‘welcome to the midlands, [Ireland] England’s offshore windfarm’. Responding, Diarmuid Twomey of Mainstream Renewable Power pointed out the industry was no different to agriculture or any other industry exporting Irish products. An advantage of harvesting wind energy from offshore (apart from increased wind resource) is the reduced ‘not in my backyard’ effect along with the potential for subsea interconnector components.

Dublin Array windfarm is being developed by independent Irish owned Saorgus Energy Ltd, and two foreshore lease applications have been lodged with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement have also been produced and made available to the public.

The site of Dublin Array is on the Kish and Bray Banks in the Irish Sea, approximately 10km east of the coasts of Dublin and Wicklow. The windfarm will comprise 145 turbines arranged in rows four or five deep producing a total output of 520MW, figures that suggest 3.6MW turbines. Preparation work offshore has progressed steadily including wind monitoring on the Kish Lighthouse. Geotechnical investigations, including seismic and bathymetric surveys, along with borehole drilling have been completed on the banks. Agreement has also been reached for a 364MW connection to the Irish national grid.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the UK on cooperation in the energy sector was signed in January 2013 and an intergovernmental agreement between the two countries on the export of renewable energy is expected to be reached in 2013-2014 along with decision on a lease agreement. Pre-construction design and equipment procurement for the windfarm itself is scheduled for 2015-2016 with construction works and commissioning expected in 2017-2018.