Irish transmission system operator EirGrid has completed the initial phase of marine and coastal surveys along Ireland’s south coast. This includes exploring cable route corridor options within the Tonn Nua offshore wind area, part of the Irish Government’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP).
The surveys are conducted by Fugro under EirGrid’s Powering Up Offshore – South Coast project and the Offshore Marine Survey Framework. Subcontractors TechWorks Marine and Green Rebel are responsible for metocean and environmental surveys, respectively.
Commencing in July 2025, the work encompasses geophysical, environmental, and metocean surveys around potential subsea cable route corridors in Maritime Area A, in addition to intertidal non-intrusive landfall investigations.
During the 2025 campaign, EirGrid surveyed 3,770 kilometers of seabed, engaging over 40,000 man-hours, with collaboration from fisheries, industry, and local communities.
Two metocean data buoys have been deployed and will remain on site until late 2026 to assist in offshore planning and environmental monitoring.
EirGrid stated that the data collected in 2025 is now being analyzed, with further surveys including geophysical, geotechnical, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) investigations planned for 2026.
“These surveys require extensive coordination among EirGrid staff, strategic partners, fishing communities, and local landowners,” said Liam Ryan, Chief Transformation, Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid.
“The data from this research is vital in shaping plans for installing transmission infrastructure for offshore wind, helping to create a cleaner energy future for Ireland.”
The project aims to deliver grid transmission infrastructure to connect up to 900 MW of offshore wind capacity to onshore points along the south coast, supporting Ireland’s climate action targets.
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz