Shell New Energies has acquired a 51% stake in Simply Blue Energy’s Kinsale venture, which was set up to develop the Emerald project, a floating windfarm in the Celtic Sea, off the south coast of Ireland
The newly-formed joint venture will be operated by Simply Blue Energy supported by Shell floating wind experts, with a project office based in the Cork City Docklands rejuvenation area.
The partnership combines Simply Blue’s track-record in developing floating wind projects and local knowledge of the Celtic Sea environment with Shell’s offshore experience, floating wind expertise and ability to develop large complex projects.
The Emerald Project will have an initial installed capacity of 300 MW and is located in the vicinity of the Kinsale gas fields, which are currently being decommissioned.
The project is seen as an important ‘stepping stone’ to enable Ireland to reduce its carbon emissions and help ensure the Irish Government meets its climate target of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
The project is in the early stages and aims to exploit the vast floating wind potential in the Irish part of the Celtic Sea. It has the potential to scale-up to a total installed capacity of 1 GW.
Shell vice president offshore wind Colin Crooks said, “We aim to build an integrated power business spanning electricity generation, trading and supply. This project could provide green power to consumers and businesses alike and contributes towards Shell’s ambition to be a net-zero emissions business by 2050, or sooner. Working alongside coastal communities to create shared value is key to success and this is why we have chosen and look forward to working with Simply Blue Energy who are rooted in the local community.”
Simply Blue Energy chief executive Sam Roch-Perks said, “Floating wind energy is a major opportunity for Ireland to become a ‘Green Gulf’, realising the benefits of its vast marine and offshore wind resources.
“Simply Blue Energy is delighted to work with Shell to further our portfolio of floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea. This announcement is an important milestone in the ability of the Emerald project to ensure the government meets its climate target of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030.”
The deal is the second partnership with a major oil and gas company that Simply Blue has entered into after it formed a JV with Total to develop floating wind projects in the Celtic Sea off the Welsh coast.
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