RWE – DUBLIN ARRAY: Ireland Gets Green with Dublin Array

Around 10km from the Irish coast, west of Dublin, a new offshore windfarm is under development thanks to Irish company Saorgus Energy and global offshore wind organisation RWE. The Muir Éireann, or Irish Sea, is perfect for wind energy generation. Shallow, vast, and windy, the area is one of the upcoming focal geographies for the world’s energy companies. Ireland has made significant progress in the renewables space, with 33% of its energy mix coming from wind and solar. However, natural gas is still the largest contributor at almost 40% of the total energy mix. The country has a target of achieving net-zero no later than 2050 and halving emissions by 2030.

The Dublin Array, an 824 MW capacity wind farm, will see around 50 turbines connect into the grid, producing enough power for approximately 770,000 homes, mitigating carbon emissions of around 1.5 million tonnes each year.

Currently, the Dublin Array is expected to begin construction in 2027 following the signing of a Contract for Difference (CfD) in 2023, success in the country’s first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) auction, and hosting of an Offshore Supplier Engagement Day.

A new Development Project Director has also been appointed to oversee what is set to be a vital stage in the project, building the foundations for the next quarter century, nurturing ties with the local community, and ensuring the long-term financial success for Ireland.

In February, Vanessa O’Connell joined RWE to head up the Dublin Array project, taking over from former Project Director, Peter Lefroy who will continue to develop offshore wind across Ireland with the company.

O’Connell has more than a decade of leadership experience in offshore wind having worked across the Hornsea 1, Burbo Bank Extension, Walney Extension, and Barrow projects with Orsted, and Inis Offshore Wind in Ireland. An Irish citizen, with a family based in Dublin, she is connected to the success of the project.

“Vanessa is highly respected in the offshore wind industry bringing with her a broad, practical experience on a variety of projects. We look forward to working with her in delivering the Dublin Array and leading a growing team,” said Lefroy.

Initial communication will be key in the role as O’Connell begins the process of starting construction – which will create more than 1000 jobs. Of course, 80 direct and 160 indirect jobs that will run across the expected 30-year lifespan of Dublin Array will also need to be established, and the operations base at Dún Laoghaire, estimated to inject €540 million of local expenditure across the greater Dublin area, needs to be fully working as soon as possible.

First, the supply chain must be established. Globally, there are many stand out organisations who have proven themselves installing offshore wind. But ensuring market integrity and cost effectiveness is different on every project, and O’Connell will be part of the team that strikes up new arrangements with long-term partners.

BUILDING A VALUE CHAIN

At the end of 2023, a Supplier Engagement Day was held by RWE Renewables with the goal of showing the industry opportunities for involvement in the supply chain and the potential for Ireland’s offshore wind growth.

The Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire was the venue and the team on hand to give speeches and answer questions from the around 100 companies in attendance. Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Ossian Smyth, gave full support to the project and said the state should provide further support for offshore wind.

“This was a really exciting event, bringing together almost 100 businesses and highlighting the huge opportunities the emerging offshore industry in Ireland can bring to local communities,” said Lefroy. “We had a fantastic mix of attendees and some really excellent speakers, including a number of Irish suppliers that are already actively working in the offshore wind industry. The conversations our team had will prove invaluable as we look to ensure Ireland taps into the benefits of this new industry.

“Minister Ossian Smyth’s comments about the resources needed were poignant, and underscored the work needed by both government and industry to ensure Irish suppliers can make the most of this huge opportunity, which was reflected in a number of presentations throughout the day.

“We will be holding more supplier events as the project progresses, and also hosting events to highlight what skills are needed to ensure Irish people and businesses can capture as much of this opportunity as possible.”

AUCTION SUCCESS

The supplier day came not long after success at the ORESS, where RWE received confirmation from the state that it had been successful in its application. The company’s success to date with the 900 MW East Celtic Offshore Wind Farm helps to make it a standout in Ireland’s burgeoning industry.

Upon receiving the confirmation of the ORESS auction Lefroy said: “This is a very significant day for the Dublin Array project, and for the future of offshore wind energy in Ireland. We are continuing to refine our overall plans for the project and intend to submit a planning application later this year. RWE has a strong track record of working closely with local communities and suppliers in the development of offshore wind projects and we will bring this experience to our engagement for the Dublin Array project. The positive economic benefits of Dublin Array will be seen by coastal communities in south Dublin and north Wicklow through our dedicated Community Benefit Fund, while the wider Irish population will benefit from our contribution to decarbonising the Irish energy system.

“The success of the first ORESS round is a huge milestone for Ireland in the fight against climate change,” he added. “It comes ahead of Global Wind Day and demonstrates to global developers that Ireland is an attractive market to enter. This will result in even more renewable energy projects being developed, which will further decrease Ireland’s carbon emissions and its dependence on foreign fossil fuels.

“We aim to further expand our offshore portfolio in Ireland, with our East Celtic project and others in development, and hope to participate in future auctions.”

Sven Utermöhlen, RWE CEO Offshore Wind was equally optimistic and enthusiastic about the project: “We’re thrilled to have officially secured our route to market, solidifying our position in Ireland,” he said. “We bring more than 20 years of offshore experience to help ensure the successful delivery of Dublin Array. We look forward to working with the Irish Government to help Ireland meet its 2030 climate targets and enhance security of supply.”

The confirmation came after the company was initially awarded its CfD in May 2023. EirGrid subsequently confirmed the results after a period of scrutiny confirming the weighted average strike price at €86.05/MWh. “Our priority is to deliver a top-class project in partnership with communities, businesses and suppliers in Ireland, and to maximize the economic opportunities which this major investment represents.” Lefroy confirmed.

In the short-term future, plans are to establish a connection to the grid and to further develop the route to market. The project has been in development in various forms since 1999 and to formerly make progress of such meaningful nature is a win for RWE. O’Connell is keen to complete EirGrid surveys, lock in a commencement date for construction, and further develop the pipeline around the southern coast as part of ORESS 2.1 where the government hopes to add another 5 GW of renewable energy from offshore wind.

For RWE, the technology and the ambition is in place. For Saorgus Energy, the structure is ready. For Ireland, the potential is enormous, and for the people of Dublin and Wicklow, there are tangible results ready to be taken. When construction begins, the Dublin Array will become a major project of interest for the entire region, and its success will pave the way for Ireland’s decarbonisation journey to 2050 and net zero.