DP Energy and Iberdrola appoint lead Environmental consultants for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Ireland

DP Energy, one of Ireland’s leading developers of renewable energy, and global energy leader Iberdrola have appointed Irish environmental consultants Fehily Timoney and Company, together with Intertek and MarineSpace, to lead the production of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for the proposed offshore wind project off the east coast of Ireland.

Irish based Fehily Timoney and Company has been awarded the work as lead consultant alongside Intertek and MarineSpace as partner consultants for the proposed Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm, further demonstrating DP Energy and Iberdrola’s commitment to supporting the local economy.

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. As one of the world’s largest renewable energy producers, Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and importantly, shares DP Energy’s commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development.

Located off the coasts of Wicklow and Wexford, the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm is a 1,000 MW (1GW) fixed-bottom offshore wind project.

The Shelmalere project is currently in its early development stage, with ecology surveys underway and site investigation surveys being planned. Once operational, it will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 860,000 homes. The project is programmed to be operational by 2030 and will significantly contribute to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Fehily Timoney and Company, Intertek and MarineSpace will deliver a full Environmental Impact Assessment Report to examine the potential impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding environment including sea, land and wildlife.  The appraisal to be set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will look at the full project lifecycle from site investigations to construction and right through to operation and eventual decommissioning of the wind farm.

The EIAR will also report on potential impacts of the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm Project on other key receptors including commercial fisheries, fish ecology, landscape, seascape, cultural heritage, tourism, transport and aviation.

Edwina White, DP Energy’s Consenting and Environment Manager, said: ‘A significant milestone has been achieved in the appointment of Cork-headquartered Fehily Timoney & Company as lead consultant tasked with delivering a robust Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm.  We are delighted that the project will benefit from the expertise and experience offered by Fehily Timoney & Company, and that of their strong partners for this project, MarineSpace & Intertek.  With this key appointment, we’re one step closer to the ultimate goal of delivering Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm to help Ireland reach its climate targets.’

Declan McMahon, Iberdrola’s Offshore Development Senior Project Manager, said: “Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm has the potential to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits for Ireland. The project is progressing well, and we are pleased to welcome the experience of Fehily Timoney and Company, MarineSpace and Intertek on to the team”

Commenting on the appointment, Jim Hughes, Director of Fehily Timoney and Company said: “This is a very important project for Fehily Timoney and Company, a wholly Irish owned engineering, scientific and planning consultancy. We look forward to growing our relationship with DP Energy and Iberdrola and lead a robust environmental assessment of the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm project with Intertek and MarineSpace. The project team brings a blend of local knowledge with extensive international experience in the offshore renewable energy sector.

A public information event for the Shelmalere project took place on Thursday the 10^th of March 2022, and a recording is now available on the project website at www.shelmalereoffshorewindfarm.com.

A number of further public consultation events will be announced over the coming year along with a virtual consultation room for the Shelmalere Offshore Wind Farm project to open shortly.