Nova East Wind to develop Canada’s First Offshore Wind Project off Goldboro Nova Scotia

Nova East Wind Inc, a joint venture between DP Energy and SBM Offshore, was established to develop Canada’s first offshore wind farm. The proposed floating offshore wind farm project, with a generation capacity of 300-400 MW, would be located approximately 20-30km off Goldboro, Nova Scotia.

This stepping-stone project has the potential to kickstart an exciting new industry in Nova Scotia, contributing to the decarbonization of the local electricity grid, in support of the Province’s 2030 goal of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources.

The growing project team was set-up in 2021 and has been actively engaging with stakeholders and other interested parties in Nova Scotia to understand local constraints and opportunities. The team has primarily focused on identifying and adopting environmental, regulatory, supply chain, workforce, and construction best practices as the project develops.

The precise location of the wind farm will be determined following relevant regulations and further engagement with key stakeholders and right holders such as First Nations, governments, commercial fishers, local communities, environmental groups, and industry regulators.

Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy, said: “We are delighted to announce our new floating offshore wind project with partner SBM Offshore, the first of its kind in Canada. Nova East Wind’s project off Goldboro is an important step in Nova Scotia’s renewable energy journey which we are incredibly excited to be a part of. Our local team has been actively engaging with communities and stakeholders in Nova Scotia since 2021 and these groups will continue to be at the core of this project going forward.”

Ambroise Wattez, Director of Project Development at SBM Offshore, said: “SBM Offshore has been active in Nova Scotia for many years, and we are delighted to write a new chapter of the offshore industry here, with our partner DP Energy. We are very pleased to announce Nova East Wind’s project off Goldboro today, bringing our contribution to the energy transition in Canada. We intend to do so with a special attention to local workforce, supply chain and communities to kickstart Nova Scotia’s floating offshore wind sector responsibly.”

DP Energy and SBM Offshore have significant experience working in Nova Scotia to help advance the region’s offshore energy ambitions. This includes acquiring in-depth understanding of local regulatory practices and building a successful track record of local partnerships and business associations.

DP Energy powers conservation with National Park charity partnership

Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust is delighted to announce a new partnership with Irish founded renewable energy company, DP Energy who’s made its UK home in Pembroke Dock.

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust said: “We are thrilled that DP Energy have chosen to become a Silver Partner and help in our mission to support conservation, community and culture in the National Park.”

The Trust was set up to safeguard the spectacular National Park landscapes for future generations.

Headquartered in Cork, DP Energy has over 30 years’ experience in the global renewable energy sector and has developed over 1GW (1,000MW) of renewable energy projects, which are built and operational. Currently, it has an immediate pipeline of over 9GW of both on and offshore wind, solar and ocean energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

DP Energy has been operating in the UK since the 1990s to deliver onshore wind projects and opened an office in Pembrokeshire in 2021.In 2022, the company entered a Celtic Sea joint venture with EDF Renewables for the Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm project and is currently developing a wider portfolio of projects in the UK and new markets.

Chris Williams, Head of Development UK and New Markets for DP Energy said: “DP Energy is delighted to be a Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust Silver Partner. We are 100% committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all our energy developments. Our Pembrokeshire based team is passionate about supporting the growth of a new energy sector that can meet net zero targets and sustain skilled, well-paid jobs for future generations, to benefit local communities. We are extremely fortunate to live and work in this beautiful part of the world and look forward to working with the Trust on their initiatives to enhance conservation, community, and culture in the National Park.”

Since 2021, the Trust has run an annual business membership programme, offering a variety of packages to suit businesses of any size and type.

Further information about the Pembrokeshire Coast Partners scheme can be found at https://pembrokeshirecoasttrust.wales/how-you-can-help/pembrokeshire-coast-partners/. If you would like to discuss a scheme further, please get in touch with the team by calling 01646 624811 or emailing [email protected].

DP Energy and SBM Offshore – pioneering Floating Offshore Wind in Nova Scotia with Joint Venture

Global renewable energy developer DP Energy and SBM Offshore, a global player in the offshore energy transition, have formalized a new joint venture to pursue floating offshore wind energy opportunities off Nova Scotia. The partnership will strive to support Nova Scotia’s ambitious climate action targets and contribute meaningfully to the phasing out of coal from the grid, creating a cleaner more sustainable future for Nova Scotia.

Since 2021, the local team has been engaging in Nova Scotia with the objective of understanding local constraints and opportunities. The initial focus of the newly formed joint venture is to support the development of a floating offshore wind industry in Nova Scotia, contributing carefully to the implementation of environmental, regulatory, supply chain, workforce, and construction best practices. Such foundation for an ambitious, yet sustainable energy transition, can only be established through honest engagement and local dialogue with all key stakeholders; first nations and other interested parties will remain a priority throughout the partnership’s endeavours.

DP Energy and SBM Offshore have a collective wealth of expertise in the renewable energy sector and the design and construction of offshore floating facilities for the energy industry. They also have significant experience working in Nova Scotia to help advance the region’s offshore energy journey, this includes in depth understanding of local regulatory specificities and successful track record in local partnerships and growing local businesses.

Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy said “With SBM Offshore we have found a strong partner to pioneer Canada’s floating offshore wind sector. The combination of their proven offshore construction capability, and a project development philosophy with strong emphasis on building up local supply chains, and our abiding commitment to protect the environment, is the ideal team to start Canada’s promising plan to create a new renewable offshore energy industry to help the world’s common climate challenge.”

“Our 30-year approach to renewable project development puts the environment and local communities front and centre. Floating offshore wind is an exciting new opportunity for Nova Scotia and will bring much needed new investment which can add to coastal economies and communities.”

Severine Baudic, Managing Director New Energies and Services at SBM Offshore said “We are very pleased to announce the formalization of our partnership with DP Energy, a well-recognized developer in the renewable energy space. We believe that Canada’s offshore wind resource is among the best in the world, and as an offshore energy transition company with proven experience in Nova Scotia, we are excited to continue and expand our partnerships with the local community and ready to write a new chapter, together.”

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy developers, appoints Kimberley Harris as Group PR & Communications Manager

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, has promoted Kimberley Harris to the role of Group PR and Communications Manager. Headquartered in Cork and operating across the world, DP Energy is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods possible in all their energy developments. 

 In her new role, Kimberley will manage and oversee all internal and external communications across the company’s international portfolio of onshore and offshore renewable energy developments. Working closely with group management, Kimberley will lead all communications in line with DP Energy’s growth strategy, which will see the company move into new jurisdictions and renewable energy generation and storage technologies over the next few years. 

 DP Energy has over 30 years’ experience in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy assets globally and to date, the company has developed over 1GW (1000 MW) of energy projects, the majority of which are already built and operational. Currently, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of 7GW of both on- and off- shore wind and solar energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia, and Canada, with 750MW due to enter construction in 2023/24. 

 Kimberley joined DP Energy in 2020 as Project Co-ordinator and was promoted to Communications and Coordination Manager in 2021 with responsibility for DP Energy’s cross-platform communications requirements while also providing support to the Project Managers on the offshore team.  

 After graduating with an MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments in 2017 at NUI Galway, Kimberley worked as a Research Assistant for the UCC Marine Geology Research Group. During this time, she provided support for several projects, took part in offshore surveys and was a key part of developing novel ‘lander’ systems for deployment. 

 Kimberley holds a Professional Diploma in PR & Marketing Communications, an MSc in Coastal and Marine Environments and a BA in English and Geography and has completed courses in Research Integrity, Project Management and Assertive Communication Skills.   

 Commenting on the appointment, Adam Cronin, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at DP Energy, said: Myself and the DP Energy team are delighted to congratulate Kimberley on her promotion to Group PR and Communications Manager at an exciting time of company growth and expansion. Kimberley has been an integral part of the DP Energy Team over the last few years, leading communications and assisting with the co-ordination of offshore wind programmes in Ireland and beyond. Kimberley brings a passion for renewable energy along with a wealth of experience to the role. We are looking forward to Kimberley using her skills to work across our global project portfolio.

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy developers, sponsors Imokilly GAA teams

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, today celebrated their new sponsorship of Imokilly hurling and football teams with the launch of the team’s new jersey at DP Energy’s Cork City office, in Spaces Horgans Quay.

Players from East Corks leading Gaelic Football and Hurling division including Seamus Harnedy, Ciaran Joyce, John Cronin, Jack Leahy, Mike Kelly and Timmy Wilke attended the launch along with members of the East Cork Board Executive, members of the press, representatives from DP Energy and Ronan Milner from McKeever Sportswear.

The funding provided by DP Energy will cover the cost of new jerseys which will display the DP Energy name and logo. The jerseys will be worn at the prestigious County Senior Championship which launches in Páirc Uí Chaoimh this summer.

The funding will also cover team management costs, first aid, physio, shorts and socks and transport and refreshment costs for the teams on match days. In the event of reaching the County Final, DP Energy will also sponsor special County Final limited-edition jerseys to mark the significance of this achievement.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Adam Cronin, Chief Operating Officer of DP Energy said:

“We are delighted that DP Energy will be officially sponsoring Imokilly hurling and football teams. Sport and GAA in particular are a crucial part of our community and provide a sense of belonging for many. Gathering here today to unveil the new Imokilly jersey with the DP Energy logo shows the power sport has in bringing people together. We are looking forward to supporting the team achieve  their goal to reach the County Final and we wish the teams all the best for the upcoming season.”

Avril Geary, Chairperson of the East Cork Board Executive said:

“The Imokilly Board welcome the very generous sponsorship of our hurling and Football Teams by DP Energy. I believe the partnership with DP Energy will be beneficial to both. There are 23 Clubs in Imokilly with many of them dotted around the coast. The GAA recognises the power of Green Energy and our teams wearing the DP Energy Jersey will help highlight this to all our members and followers. Imokilly teams have had great success in the past and both teams are currently training for their respective Championships. We wish them well and look forward to seeing the DP Energy Jersey in front of a packed stadium later this year.”

“Sincere thanks to Adam and his colleagues for partnering with Imokilly. Next year we celebrate the Centenary of our Division and we are delighted DP Energy will with us all the way to celebrate the successes and milestones of the last 100 years.

 

Gwynt Glas project team to brief businesses in the South West on regional floating offshore wind opportunities

The Gwynt Glas project team will host its second supply chain event at Petroc College, Barnstable on 22nd June. Gwynt Glas is a partnership between EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy to develop Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea. The event  follows the success of its South Wales Business Breakfast held on March 1st at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

The event is being run in partnership with the Marine Futures Conference which takes place on the same day. FLOW in the Celtic Sea presents an exciting era of innovation and business growth and the conference provides delegates with the chance to hear first-hand from key players such as The Crown Estate and The Celtic Sea Cluster involved in the development of this major new industry. In the afternoon the Gwynt Glas team will talk through construction and operation supply chain opportunities, subject to the project obtaining the permissions and leases required to develop a 1 Giga Watt (GW) floating wind farm. The event is free to attend but registration is required. To register please visit: Gwynt Glas Supply Chain Briefing Event – Devon

Mark Hazelton, Gwynt Glas Project Director said:

“We are absolutely committed to maximising local benefits for communities. A big part of this is readying the supply chain to ensure local businesses are aware of the opportunities that will be available and how they can get involved.”

EDF Renewables has a track record in maximising local economic and social benefits when building large scale infrastructure projects. EDF Renewables is advanced in supporting emerging floating offshore wind technologies including currently building France’s first floating wind pilot-project, Provence Grand Large, which committed from the outset to mobilise local companies. Elsewhere in the EDF Group, the company  is also building Hinkley Point C in Somerset, one of the largest construction projects in Europe, which is projected to invest £18 billion in Britain and support 71,000 job opportunities across the UK.

 

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading renewable energy developers, appoints Adam Cronin as Chief Operating Officer

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy projects, has promoted Adam Cronin to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Headquartered in Cork and operating across the world, DP Energy is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods possible in all their energy developments.

In his new role, Adam will be responsible for the Operational and Service Delivery functions across the company’s international portfolio of onshore and offshore renewable energy developments.  Working alongside the CEO, this senior appointment aligns with DP Energy’s growth strategy which will see the company move into new jurisdictions and renewable energy generation and storage technologies over the next few years.

DP Energy has over 30 years’ experience in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy assets globally and to date, the company has developed over 1GW (1000 MW) of energy projects, the majority of which are already built and operational. Currently, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of over 7GW of both on- and off- shore wind and solar energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

Adam joined DP Energy in 2021 as Offshore Technical and Engineering Manager with responsibility for leading DP Energy’s technical and engineering teams in the delivery and development of multiple offshore floating and fixed bottom wind energy projects, both in Ireland and internationally. He then moved into the role of Head of Offshore in August 2021 where he continued to lead a team in the planning and development of offshore renewable developments.

Adam has almost three decades of experience in leading and managing technical and non-technical teams in the delivery of infrastructure, marine and energy projects. Prior to joining DP Energy, Adam was Director of the Marine Division at ByrneLooby. He has also held roles in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment. He holds a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Commenting on the appointment, Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy said:

“Myself and the DP Energy team are delighted to congratulate Adam on his promotion to Chief Operating Officer at DP Energy. Adam is passionate about renewable energy and the use of sustainable methods and strategies in all our offshore projects. We are looking forward to working with Adam as uses his skills to lead and support the team in the development of Irish and international renewable energy developments which will significantly contribute to the fight against climate change.”

Gwynt Glas commits to readying the local supply chain for Floating Wind in the Celtic Sea

Gwynt Glas Floating Wind Energy, an EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy joint venture, is delighted to announce details of its first local supply chain event taking place 1st March at Parc y Scarlets,  South Wales.

The event is open to businesses interested in finding out about regional Floating Wind industry growth and participating in potential opportunities from the construction and operation of Gwynt Glas, subject to the project obtaining the permissions and leases required to develop a 1GW project in the Celtic Sea. Attendance is free but registration is required. To register for this event visit: https://tinyurl.com/GwyntGlasSupplierEvent

This event comes following the appointment of Mark Hazelton as Project Director who will lead the conversation at the event. Mark brings a wealth of experience working in the development, planning and policy elements of offshore wind having worked at The Crown Estate, managers of the seabed, and the Marine Management Organisation, UK marine licensing authority, before joining EDF Renewables UK where he has led the development both fixed and floating wind farm projects.

Mark Hazelton said:

“We are committed to working with local industry, maximising local benefits for communities and businesses and ensuring our proposal has a just transition towards net zero delivery at its core. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea presents a significant opportunity to local businesses and we are keen to speak with local businesses to communicate how the Celtic Seas leasing will not only generate renewable energy and support our energy security, but explore how this development can protect and create local jobs.”

EDF has a track record in maximising local economic and social benefits when building large scale infrastructure projects. EDF is advanced in supporting emerging floating offshore wind technologies including currently building France’s first floating wind pilot-project, Provence Grand Large, which committed from the outset to mobilise local companies. EDF is also building Hinkley Point C in Somerset, one of the largest construction projects in Europe, which is projected to invest £18 billion in Britain and support 71,000 job opportunities across the UK.

Gwynt Glas is equally as determined to support local jobs and supply chains. The March supply chain event is being held in collaboration with Swansea Bay Business Club and takes place ahead of their St David’s Day Business Lunch. Swansea Bay Business Club is the region’s premier networking business club.

The President of Swansea Bay Business Club, Michael Morgan from Morgan & Morgan Business and Technology said: “Our one simple objective is to stimulate prosperity and our St David’s Day Celebration, sponsored by Gwynt Glas, is a great example of how the business community is supporting each other and supporting growth in the region.”

DP Energy-100% committed to a world fully powered by renewable energy

Can you imagine a non-fossil fuelled world that is solely powered by renewable energy? And can you imagine this mission being led from Cork?

This is the overall goal of DP Energy, the Cork-based company that develops large scale renewable energy projects worldwide using only energy from the sun (wind, solar and wave energy) and ocean energy and tidal from gravity influenced by the moon.

DP Energy is a family company, led by co-founders Maureen De Pietro and Simon De Pietro, a mother and son partnership, who have been developing wind energy projects for over 30 years with the fundamental belief that renewables are both necessary, and inevitable, for a better world but also that they must be delivered by applying the most environmentally responsible methods with as little impact as possible on the other species that share this planet.

DP Energy is headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork, where DP’s Irish onshore team is located, whilst its Irish offshore team is located next to the water (appropriately) at Horgan’s Quay, Cork city.

The business employs a team of highly experienced engineers, marine scientists, planning experts, project managers, environmental managers and financial, legal and technical experts.

The company is a proud member of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI), the renamed Irish Wind Energy Association of which Maureen was a key member of the Council as early as 1993 in the infancy of the wind industry in Ireland. Simon has been co-president of Ocean Energy Europe for over 10 years. Both Maureen and Simon see reliance on wind and the ocean as vital for Ireland’s future energy supply.

DP Energy delivered its first wind farm projects in Tyrone in 1993 and in Leitrim in 1996 and ,since then, has delivered multiple projects across Ireland (including Cork) and the UK as well as further afield in Australia and Canada.

To date, the company has developed over 1GW (1000 MW) of renewable energy projects, the majority of which are already built and operational, and has a further 750MW at late stage of development scheduled to enter construction in 2023/24.

Beyond that DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of 7GW of renewable projects including here in Ireland, and is still exploring new markets. These projects variously range from GW+ scale Offshore Wind projects and multi 100+ MW onshore wind and solar projects, to medium scale solar behind the meter (not exported to the national grid) and even smaller scale solar projects supporting communities including its local Buttevant 5MW community solar project.

In Ireland, DP Energy continues to develop further onshore wind and solar with battery storage, but its biggest news is around Offshore Wind. Since 2015 DP Energy has been moving further into offshore wind as a natural progression from both its onshore and ocean energy experience.

Charlie Jordan, CEO of Scottish Power Renewables; Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy;  Micheál Martin, Taoiseach; Johanna Murphy, president, Cobh Chamber Commerce; Maureen De Pietro, director of DP Energy;  Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Gillian Noble, offshore managing director of Scottish Power; and Adam Cronin, head of offshore, DP Energy. Offshore wind now forms an important part of DP energy’s non-fossil fuelled world objective. Wind energy offshore is typically stronger and more consistent than that on land due to the absence of any physical barriers. In addition, the very major scale of offshore projects enables significant inroads into making CO2 savings.

DP Energy is actively pursuing a number of offshore wind projects worldwide including here in Ireland where it has partnered with Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers and one of the world’s most experienced offshore wind operators, to establish three off-shore wind projects on the south, east and west coasts. These will deliver 3GW of clean power.

Those projects include DP Energy’s home Cork project, the Inis Ealga Marine Energy Park which is located off the Cork and Waterford coasts. The good news is that Inis Ealga and the other projects will not only help battle climate change, support Irish industry and Irish jobs, but also reduce Ireland’s dependency on imported fossil fuels while also providing the opportunity for Ireland to become a major exporter of energy.

DP Energy’s goal is delivery of all three projects as quickly as possible in order to contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030, 7GW of offshore wind by 2030 and, of course, to make the largest contribution as early as we can to fight the battle against global climate change.

DP Energy is aligned and supports Government aspirations of 30GW (or more) of offshore renewables beyond 2030 as we both strive to achieve Net-Zero carbon target by 2050 and to support our European neighbours meeting theirs (using Irish wind). Taking Inis Ealga alone, with a notional capacity of 1,000 MW (1 GW) the project could generate enough energy to power the equivalent of nearly one million Irish homes.

Many of the onshore ecology, offshore bird and marine mammal surveys and preliminary site investigation studies are underway or completed, and recently DP Energy undertook a seabed geophysical survey.

The survey, which covered approximately 900 Km2 beyond the 12 nautical mile limit, was undertaken by Hydrographic Surveys of Crosshaven onboard the Commissioners of Irish Lights vessel, ILV Granuaile, a multifunctional ship. (Irish vessel, Irish surveyor, Irish Fisheries Liaison Officer and Irish Developer!).

We were pleased in this process to engage with the local fishermen to minimise any disruption to their fishing activities and with other stakeholders to ensure that the surveys were undertaken with the care necessary to sit within DP Energy’s ethos of ‘environmental responsibility’.

DP Energy recognises the need to share the sea and that open and genuine engagement with the local fishing community is critical. To facilitate this, the team actively engage directly not just with fisheries organisations but also with local fishermen one-to-one in order to understand the individual needs of each fisher.

DP Energy is truly committed to being at the centre of the transformation of Ireland’s energy industry and being a significant employer for the country’s most talented, motivated and innovative individuals in this sector.

The team has already expanded significantly, with the addition of Grid Managers, Project Managers, Community Engagement Liaison Officers and Project Engineers. Paired with this expansion comes an increased demand for additional support from environmental consultants, specialist vessel surveyors, engineering technical businesses and other suppliers. Demand for more team members and opportunity for more services will only increase. Building on Iberdrola’s experience elsewhere, the DP Energy-Iberdrola Joint Venture is also committed to supporting local supply chain and developing pathways to renewables in education.

To ensure there is a strong pipeline of enthusiastic people coming into the sector, we have joined forces with STEAM Education Ltd to launch a series of Green Energy and Climate Action Education Programmes to inspire the next wave of climate scientists, engineers, artists and active citizens.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths and has a mission to inspire children to love STEAM subjects. The Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes engage 4th to 6th class students in approximately 20 local schools around the coast with a goal of supporting children to understand the key issues about the climate crisis and to engage in positive climate action in their schools, homes and wider communities. It is, after all, their future.

DP Energy is also focused on working with local Cork environmental groups since the better world goal means climate change and biodiversity must be tackled together. Inis Ealga recently announced sponsorship for the Clean Coasts Ballynamona project providing funding for the purchase of a boat and equipment to assist with the protection of waterways, coastline, seas and marine life and facilitate a range of science backed education programmes promoting biodiversity.

DP Energy’s vision of a world fully powered by renewable energy which protects its environment and biodiversity is achievable and the company plans to lead from the front to make this a reality in Cork, in Ireland and worldwide.

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