A joint venture (JV) between ESB and Ørsted has received provisional approval from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment of the Government of Ireland to develop the Tonn Nua offshore wind site off the County Waterford coast. The location was designated under the South Coast Maritime Area plan as the sole area for Ireland’s second offshore wind selection process. The approval allows the development of a 900 MW fixed-bottom offshore wind project and enables the consortium to apply for both a seabed lease and grid connection.
The project is at an early stage of development. Once completed, the offshore area will extend across 306 square kms, with an expected capacity of approximately 900 MW. This is estimated to be sufficient to supply power to nearly one million households, based on the wind conditions at the site. The timeline includes a final investment decision in 2031, with initial generation anticipated around ten years from now.
The next steps anticipated for the project will include applying to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority for a maritime area consent (MAC) and a marine usage licence. These approvals will permit detailed surveys and assessments before the planning application. The state is expected to receive more than €6 million annually from MAC-related charges. Additionally, the project will establish a community fund, with contributions of €2 per MWh, estimated to be €5 million to €7 million annually, once operations begin.
