This partnership also supports the Government’s Climate Action Plan and its ambition to increase the proportion of renewable electricity up to 80% by 2030.
The ESB and the Port of Cork Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreeing to work together to progress plans for Ireland’s offshore wind and green hydrogen development.
The Port of Cork's masterplan outlines proposals to develop the necessary infrastructure to facilitate and support the offshore renewable-energy and green-hydrogen sectors.
It views Cork as being a key enabler of the green energy sector in Ireland by taking advantage of its natural harbour, deep-water channels, and deep-water berths, and by reclaiming land to accommodate large project cargoes for the offshore wind and green hydrogen sectors.
The ESB and Iarnród Éireann (Port Authority for Rosslare Europort) have also signed a joint MOU to cooperate on the organisations’ respective development plans to support offshore wind projects in the Celtic and Irish Seas.
With ESB developing a portfolio of offshore wind farms, and Rosslare Europort progressing plans to establish the port as Ireland’s offshore renewables hub, the joint initiative seeks to take advantage of their respective fields of expertise and knowledge. The MOU establishes a common goal of maximising the opportunities of each parties’ respective development plans.
While non-exclusive in nature, the agreement sets out the two organisations’ intention to work together with the aim of developing a port solution capable of supporting ESB’s offshore developments in Ireland.
ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy identifies collaboration with key partners, such as the Port of Cork and Rosslare Europort, as playing a critical role as the company progresses its development of renewable energy in Ireland.
These partnerships also supports the Government’s Climate Action Plan and its ambition to increase the proportion of renewable electricity up to 80% by 2030 and a target of at least 5GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.