Irish renewable energy firm DP Energy has announced plans to develop a 300MW floating offshore wind farm, Gwynt Glas, in the Celtic Sea. The project will be located between West Wales and England’s South West coastline.
Following site research and detailed studies, DP Energy has identified a 1,500km² area for development. The site is currently being assessed by remote aerial surveys to check marine mammal and bird activity in the region.
The offshore wind facility is expected to generate enough clean energy to power around 300,000 homes. The company has started engaging with key stakeholders and plans to hold consultations with interested parties.
DP Energy CEO Simon De Petro said: “Floating wind technology is on the cusp of being one of the key renewable technologies for the future. “The industry now needs to rapidly scale up if we are to succeed in delivering the gigawatts of green energy required to meet our climate action goals.
“Gwynt Glas is not only significant to the environmental solution, but also a pathway to much needed economic regeneration for the UK, in particular coastal regions.”
The company also expects that Gwynt Glas could play a key role in Wales and the South West’s economic growth by creating engineering, operations and maintenance jobs on the project’s floating wind platforms and turbines.
DP Energy UK and New Markets development head Chris Williams said: “Our focus is to use in-country capabilities wherever possible to support the growth of UK industry.
“We have engaged with local ports and are determined that Gwynt Glas will maximise local supply chain content and deliver environmental, social and economic benefit to the regions.”
Earlier this year, DP Energy agreed to sell a major stake in its 3GW project pipeline to Spanish energy company Iberdrola.