The Codling Bank – Ireland’s largest offshore wind development

Ronan Group Renewables are a partner in Hazel Shore Ltd, a driving force behind Ireland’s largest ever offshore wind project targeting 1GW.

Speaking in February 2020 after major French utility EDF invested in the project a spokesman for Hazelshore commented, “EDF’s arrival in Ireland as a strategic investor and partner in the Codling project is a crucial step in delivering on a vision which began for Hazel Shore in 2003.

“This is a strong endorsement of the path Ireland is on towards the 2030 renewable energy targets, set out in the Climate Action Plan, and a validation of Hazel Shore’s significant investment and hard work over almost two decades.”

The Hazel Shore shareholders remain committed to continuing their renewable and forestry businesses. Richard Barrett of Bartra Capital will focus on his non-Irish renewable projects; John Ronan and Conor Ronan will retain an equity-based interest in Codling alongside their other Irish holdings in the sector.”

Foresight and planning

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources granted a foreshore lease on 15th November 2005 to Codling Bank Wind Park. The lease is valid for a term of 99 years.

The wind farm will be located to the east of the shallow sand bank known as Codling Bank, approximately 13 kilometres off the east coast of Ireland, between Greystones and Wicklow. The closest towns of Kilcoole and Greystones are both situated some 14.8 km from the wind farm area and Wicklow is situated 17 km to the southwest.

The 220 turbines at Codling Bank Wind Park will be arrayed in a grid pattern with the overall layout in the form of a block extending perpendicularly to the coastline. The consented layout comprises 14 rows.

Codling Bank Wind Park is capable of satisfying the typical power requirements of more than 600,000 homes*. A second phase has been submitted for planning for a further 200 turbines.

Offshore wind is expected to deliver at least 3.5 GW in support of reaching the 70/30 target set out in the climate action plan target.

Over the next couple of years, project development will continue with the intention that Codling will make a significant contribution to achieving the Irish Climate Action Plan targets.

Bruno Bensasson, EDF Group Senior Executive Vice-President Renewable Energies and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Renewables said, “We are very pleased to join the Codling offshore wind project in partnership with Fred Olsen Renewables. We are committed to contributing to the Irish government’s renewables goals. This important project clearly strengthens our strong ambition to be a leading global player in the offshore wind industry. This is consistent with the CAP 2030 strategy that aims to double EDF’s renewable energy generation by 2030 and increase it to 50 GW net”.

Access the Codling Bank Non Technical Survey findings here Codling non-technical summary.