There is a proposal to build a floating wind farm more than 50 kilometers offshore Donegal in Ireland. The Killybegs Fishermen’s Organization and Sinbad Marine Services have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Swedish floating wind developer and technology provider to make this project real.
They want to apply for Phase Two Marine Area Consent (MAC) under Ireland’s new Marine Area Planning Act and use some of the energy generated by a 2 GW-capable floating wind farm to manufacture green fuels like hydrogen or ammonia.
The fishing fleet might be powered by green fuels while simultaneously helping secure the port’s energy needs and the surrounding community. This would require about 6,400 tonnes of hydrogen yearly.
By 2030, Ireland aims to have five gigawatts (GW) of offshore renewable energy installed, and the remaining electricity produced by the floating wind farm will be fed into the national grid.
According to the collaboration, a’ new approach’ is based on involving and influencing local fishermen from the start of the development process.
According to a joint press release from the three parties, “This is the first time in offshore wind that important stakeholders from various fundamentally opposing industries have come together to collaborate on a project with a single purpose.”
A group will make essential people choices after extensive deliberation, including where to build, route the cable, and where it will land.
Environmental groups will also be included in the early stages of the design and location of a floating wind farm, as will other stakeholders.
The new partners said that the Sinbad Marine port operator and service provider would ensure that the floating offshore wind project maximizes its involvement with local industry and uses local infrastructure.
As a result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Hexicon, the parties concerned will work together to construct a wind farm that does not harm the fishing sector or the maritime environment while also helping to improve local and global energy supply chains.
KFO was not interested in being provided with a fait accompli or lines drawn on maps by any potential developer. However, an initiative with the potential to be a game-changer for the KFO’s economy has our full support now that we’ve signed this Memorandum of Understanding, according to KFO CEO Seán O’Donoghue.
KFO has put itself in a prime position to take advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the North West by pursuing a “new strategy” to teaming with an appropriate developer.
TwinWind, a patented Hexicon invention, is a floating turbine base with two turbines.
The twin-turbine design can accommodate more turbines per sea area, enhancing output while minimizing environmental impact.
Regarding their project off the coast of Donegal, the business and its Irish partners have not specified which technology will be utilized.
