RPS supports multi-billion green Irish energy hub programme

Colleagues in our Belfast office have been supporting an ambitious energy hub programme which aims to produce electricity to power 1.6 million homes.

Energy supplier ESB’s Green Atlantic’s Moneypoint site in County Clare is being transformed into a green energy hub, as just one part of a significant multi-billion programme of investments.

In preparation for the project, RPS prepared a suitability study to assess the potential of the site for manufacture, marshalling and installation of floating windfarms.

RPS' report considered all aspects of site conditions, which included offshore construction, existing infrastructure and future market requirements. Once decided, recommendations were then made for the most practical and cost-effective redevelopment scheme. 

With Moneypoint being the only coal burning power plant in Ireland, both the Government and ESB have committed to end burning of coal there by 2025, as part of the national climate action plan. Not only will the Green Atlantic programme power a huge number of homes, but the generated power by the offshore wind will then be distributed to the national network through Moneypoint.

Mark McConnell, Director at RPS, comments: "We’ve been delighted to work with ESB on this fantastic green initiative. The report we conducted was extensively supported by colleagues in our Planning and Environment teams. They provided advice on potential environmental and planning issues associated with the proposed development plans, and we’re thrilled to be part of the transition to a lower-carbon future in Ireland.”

Further funding on the site will see a new, largest of its kind €50m Sustainable System Support (Synchronous Compensator) made, a floating offshore wind farm of 1,400MW off the coast of Counties Clare and Kerry, and a wind turbine hub for the construction and assembly of floating wind turbines. There will also be additional investment in a green hydrogen production, storage and generation facility.

Pat O’Doherty, ESB Chief Executive, said: “ESB’s Brighter Future strategy is anchored in our ambition to lead the transition to a low-carbon energy future, powered by clean electricity. The transformation of Moneypoint into a green energy hub will be a major step in achieving this and will bring huge benefits to the Mid-West and beyond".

For more information on this project, please contact Mark McConnell.