As one of Ireland’s leading investors/developers in renewable energy, Energia is passionate about climate action, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Waterford Chamber who are committed to very meaningful sustainability goals, including Waterford’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
Waterford Chamber’s ambition and determination towards making such a decisive and necessary change, shown in the Waterford Green Deal, mirrors Energia’s own drive for innovation for Ireland and the south-east.
In this context, I’m delighted to introduce myself to you as the Offshore Stakeholder and Engagement Manager for Energia Renewables. My role is to engage with local businesses, communities and organisations and provide timely and accurate information about our projects, including our proposed North Celtic Sea wind farm project, off the coast of Waterford.
The development of offshore wind energy in Ireland is very new and exciting. That’s why I recently left a 12-year career in politics to join Energia Renewables’ offshore team. Climate action and protecting our environment were important to me when I served as a Councillor on Wicklow County Council until October 2022. I understand and care about community interests and concerns and look forward to discussing climate action and the benefits that clean, renewable offshore wind energy can provide.
To date, I’ve met dozens of stakeholders including community groups, councils and businesses along the entire Waterford coast. By listening and providing information about the North Celtic Sea project, I’m also gaining an insight into the key role that local businesses play in these communities and how important they are to the economy and future of the south-east region. From micro-businesses to SMEs to larger enterprises, across every sector, everyone has a role to play in stimulating economic progress, employment and wellbeing throughout our communities.
As with any new proposal, people want to know how a large-scale renewable energy project will impact on local businesses and communities. Energia Renewables’ North Celtic Sea project is one of the most advanced offshore wind projects in the south-east region. Once operational, it will generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power over half a million homes and businesses.
Last year, Energia’s North Celtic Sea project reached some key milestones including the successful completion of seabed surveys. We have also been engaging extensively with the community including through monthly information clinics in Tramore and Dungarvan, and this will continue. We have an expert project team available to respond to any queries you may have and host the latest project information on our dedicated website www.northcelticseawind.ie
We’re now about to enter our second round of public consultation when we publish our Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping Report, very shortly. The report describes how we’re going to environmentally assess the North Celtic Sea project. Its publication will be another opportunity for the business community to engage with the offshore team at Energia Renewables and to get a sense of what’s involved in such an important climate action project like offshore.
“We’re very proud of our Sustainable Energy Partnership with Waterford Chamber where both the Chamber and Energia are committed to climate action for the benefit of the environment, society and the economy. As Waterford Chamber’s sustainable energy partner, we’re providing energy efficiency expertise, advice and information as well as supporting key events throughout the year.
“As our next public consultation opens soon, we’re looking forward to continuing our links with the business community, tourism interests, the fishing industry and everyone who wants to know more or who has a view on Energia’s North Celtic Sea offshore wind project”.
You can stay up to date with our developments on an ongoing basis by visiting: www.northcelticseawind.ie
By Jodie Neary
As published in Waterford Chamber’s Network Magazine
Offshore Stakeholder and Communications Manager