Earlier this year, ESB was offered exclusive rights to develop an innovative 100MW floating offshore wind project in the Malin Sea as part of Crown Estate Scotland’s seabed leasing process. The project, Malin Sea Wind, is a collaboration between ESB and leading technology developers Dublin Offshore Technology and Belfast-based CATAGEN. It underscores ESB’s growing capabilities and expanding presence in the offshore wind industry.

Malin Sea Wind aims to support the reduction of floating offshore wind costs by demonstrating Dublin Offshore’s patented load-reduction technology. Furthermore, the project will support the decarbonisation of the aviation sector by powering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production technology currently under development by net-zero technology specialists, CATAGEN. 

Speaking about the project Paul McElvanna, Origination Manager, UK Offshore Wind, ESB, said: “At 100MW, Malin Sea Wind represents an opportunity for ESB to become first movers in pre-commercial scale deployment of floating offshore wind. A key aim of the project will be the deployment of integrated load-reducing technology within the mooring system, which will build confidence that floating wind will work at scale. Malin Sea Wind will supply clean energy for efuel production and pave the way for mass production of cleaner forms of fuel for a low carbon world”.

The project team are now working to complete key environmental and technical analysis as well as engaging with the local supply chain and stakeholders. Subject to the outcome of the INTOG Sectoral Marine Plan, due to be published in Winter 2023-24, ESB expects to enter a lease option for the site.  It is expected that construction will begin in 2031 with Malin Sea Wind to be operational in 2033.

A huge congratulations to ESB on this exciting project, from all at Causeway!