Codling offshore wind project to hit 1.3 GW with even fewer turbines

The developers of the 1,300-MW Codling Wind Park project off the Irish coast have again reduced the number of turbines planned to be installed to between 60 and 75, while keeping the initially targeted capacity, according to the scheme’s final design and layout announced today.

Expected to be Ireland’s largest offshore wind farm, the Codling project is developed by a 50/50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and EDF Renewables. It will be situated 13-22 kilometres (8-14 mi) off the County Wicklow coast between Greystones and Wicklow Town.

The new details were announced ahead of a third and final series of public engagements that will be taking place in April.

The project previously envisaged the installation of 140 turbines but the developers cut the number to 100 machines in January 2023. The latest reduction is attributed to the significant advances in wind turbine technology.

The minimum proposed turbine tip height has also been set at 288 metres (944.8 ft) or a maximum of 314 metres, according to a press statement.

Construction works on the site could start in 2026-2027, subject to the receipt of the planning permission and all other required permits and consents. The planning application is set to be filed this summer.

Once commissioned, the offshore wind station will produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than one million homes, which is equivalent to around 48% of all permanent dwellings in Ireland. It is expected to eliminate 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Codling Wind Park was among the first six offshore wind projects to be issued maritime area consents (MAC) in Ireland. In June 2023, the joint venture -- Codling Wind Park Ltd, announced having secured its contract for difference (CfD) at a strike price of EUR 89.82 (USD 97.47) per MWh.

(EUR 1 = USD 1.085)

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