Isra-Mart srl:Belfast eyes offshore wind opportunity

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Belfast is the latest city to tout its potential as a renewable energy hub after Dong Energy revealed plans to use its harbour as a base to pre-assemble offshore wind turbines and their foundations.

The proposal would see Belfast Harbour fund and build a £40m, 450-metre quay and 50-acre logistics space, creating up to 300 full-time jobs and 150 construction posts in one of its largest ever capital investment projects.

Dong Energy has signed a letter of intent in support of the project and if a final agreement is reached, the company will use the facility to support construction of its Irish Sea offshore wind portfolio. The firm is working on the 500MW West of Duddon Sands wind farm, and also plans to extend the capacity of Burbo Bank and Walney wind farms to 234MW and 750MW respectively.

The UK plans to install 11,000 turbines over the next 20 years, about a quarter of which will be within 150 nautical miles of Belfast. The harbour authorities spent the past year pursuing the deal in the belief its initial investment could attract more wind energy firms to the city.

"Our expectation is that investment in a new offshore wind facility will help establish a new 21st century renewable cluster," said Len O'Hagan, Belfast Harbour's chairman. "In addition to turbine assembly operations, there may also be opportunities to attract turbine manufacturers to Northern Ireland, helping to lay the basis of a marine energy park that would create significant numbers of new, high-value-add jobs and inward investment."

Northern Ireland itself has ambitious renewables targets, and could spend up to £1bn ensuring that 40 per cent of its electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.