The move of the multinational energy company, Shell in the Irish new renewable sector could have a terrific impact on the country’s energy ambitions. Shell ending its involvement in offshore projects after agreements from November 2021 comes a year after Norway’s company Equinor abandoned joint venture with ESB to build wind farms worth 2 billion Euros at moneypoint. This disengagement leaves Simply Blue Group in search of a new strategic partnership to deliver on the second phase of Ireland’s offshore wind development.
The Western Star and Emerald offshore project designed contribute to the ambitious 7GW offshore targets by 2030 in the country of Ireland will progress upon new partnership. This withdrawal of shell is speculated to be because of delays in setting up an agency to grant licenses to developers for offshore wind farms that give them the certainty of operation as part of islands commitment to the growth of renewable energy.
The maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) will be established by the Irish government next year and will be in charge of granting licenses for projects beyond 12 nautical miles limit to pave way for deep water deployment of offshore wind.