ESB has struck a deal with EDF Renewables for a share in a offshore wind farm project in Scotland.

The Irish electricity board has acquired a 50 percent stake in the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) project.

NnG has a capacity of c. 450 megawatts of low carbon energy and will offset over 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

Construction of components is now underway, offshore construction will start in June 2020 and full commissioning will complete in 2023.


Pat O'Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB, said: "Our 50 percent stake in Neart na Gaoithe fits entirely with ESB's Brighter Future strategy to build a balanced low carbon generation portfolio of scale. Offshore wind is one of the main technologies underpinning the clean electricity systems that will power our societies into the future. This investment in the Neart na Gaoithe project builds on significant ESB involvement in offshore wind off the Irish coast as ESB develops its experience to assist Ireland deliver its Climate Action Plan. We look forward to pooling our expertise with EDF Renewables in delivering this major project."

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EDF Renewables CEO Matthieu Hue added: "This is a hugely important step for the project and we are excited to get work underway with our equity partner ESB and all of our contractors. The wind farm will play an important role in de-carbonising the UK electricity system to reach the country's net zero targets. It is evidence of our continuing investment and growth in Scotland and it shows the ability of EDF in the UK to provide diverse solutions for electricity consumers in terms of low cost renewable electricity."

(CM/MH)