Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been selected to create a masterplan for an offshore wind port on the site of the Ros a Mhíl harbour centre in County Galway.
The hub would service the needs of both floating and fixed wind developments off the west coast of Ireland.
The contract, awarded by Irish state agency Údarás na Gaeltachta, involves planning, economic assessment, the detailing of engineering and logistical requirements, and the development of a high-level energy masterplan which will set out a vision for achieving net zero operations at the port.
Atkins’ masterplan will also consider the surrounding environment, existing infrastructure, and local community needs arising from the introduction of this industry to the local area, the company said.
It is estimated that the hub will directly create 900 jobs in the local region.
Micheál Ó hÉanaigh, Údarás Na Gaeltachta’s chief executive, said: “The development of Ros an Mhíl as an offshore wind energy hub is likely to have a profound impact, not just on the economy of the Gaeltacht regions of Conamara and the Aran Islands, but also on Ireland’s ability to lessen its energy dependence.”
Christopher Kilsby, Atkins’ offshore and renewables market lead, said: “Offshore wind is a vital component of Ireland’s climate action plan and the development of supporting infrastructure will be critical to realising Ireland’s renewable targets.
“Atkins will bring our global experience in green ports and offshore wind to support this truly sustainable investment.”
The Irish government has committed to build at least 30GW of offshore floating wind power off the Atlantic coast by 2050.
Image: Ros a Mhíl harbour (credit: eOceanic)
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