Dublin, Ireland-based ESB International (ESBI) has filed an application for three foreshore exploration licences from the Coastal Zone Management Division (CZMD) of the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG), to undertake wave measurements and a sea-bed survey of each site.
The move is a part of ESBI ocean energy strategy to develop 150MW of ocean energy by 2020.
The three potential wave sites were identified following a review using admiralty charts and published material including the Irish Wave Atlas which was developed by ESBI on behalf of Sustainable Energy Ireland and the Marine Institute.
The three sites where applications are being made are: Blasket Area (Kerry); Achill Blacksod Area (Mayo); and Belmullet Broadhaven Area (Mayo).
Applications are being made for exploration licences to enable ESBI to deploy wave measurement buoys for a minimum period of 12 months in order to assess the wave climate at each site. ESBI will also undertake hydrographic surveys at each site to assess the sea-bed conditions.
The wave climate investigations and hydrographic surveys are required in order to acquire baseline data on wave and current resources on each site, to determine cable design and installation methodologies and to inform cable route selection for electricity cables associated with a wave energy project. The survey work will also enable ESBI to gather baseline information for environmental studies of the area. These works will take place over a 12 to 24 months period upon receipt of foreshore exploration licences commencing in 2010.
Prior to making the applications ESBI held discussions with the DEHLG and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (which had responsibility for the licensing of the foreshore until this month) and Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. ESBI has also held discussions with the Ocean Energy Development Unit in SEI.
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