Project information
The proposed Helvick Head Offshore Wind project is to be located approximately 10km southeast of Helvick Head, off the Waterford coast.
Background
Over the course of 2019 and 2020 ESB undertook an extensive site selection process for the entire coast of Ireland to identify potentially suitable sites for developing offshore wind farms.
The process involved preliminary assessments of both environmental and technical aspects with consideration for the various stakeholders and marine users who could potentially be impacted by both site investigation works and the ultimate development of the wind farm.
Helvick Head Offshore Wind
The proposed site is located approximately 10km southeast of Helvick Head off the Waterford Coast. The ultimate site will be refined over time, and it is anticipated that the final wind farm area is likely to be in the order of 140km² which is approximately 40% of the overall turbine array study area (subject to detailed layout / energy analysis). The expected capacity output of the project will be approximately 800MW which is enough energy to power up to 700,000 homes based on the wind prevalence in the area.
The Name
The project takes its name from Helvick Head, a landmark location along the Waterford coastline and the closest onshore point to the site. The name Helvick is derived from the Old Norse language spoken by the Vikings (likely translated as “safe bay”) who landed on these shores in the Middle Ages.
This map shows the location of the Helvick Head Offshore Wind project study area. This area is approximately 10km southeast of Helvick Head off the Waterford Coast.
Foreshore Licence Application
In December 2020, ESB submitted a Foreshore License application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The grant of a Foreshore Licence will convey the right to undertake preliminary survey work and site investigation studies for what could be the location of the Helvick Head Offshore Wind Farm.
Such site investigation studies relate to the potential turbine array site, the cable corridor and the cable landfall areas. The results of the proposed survey work, in conjunction with other desktop studies, will assist in determining the feasibility of developing an offshore wind farm at this location.