Simply Blue Group, a renewable energy company based in Cork, has revealed plans to develop the Sea Fern floating offshore wind project off the coast of Australia. The project, which aims to generate up to 2GW of energy in the Hunter region of New South Wales, is being undertaken by a consortium that includes Simply Blue, Subsea7, and Spark Renewables. This adds to Simply Blue’s existing portfolio of over 10GW of floating wind projects under development. The Sea Fern project is currently in the early stages, with the consortium applying for a Feasibility Licence to conduct necessary studies and consultations. Construction is expected to begin by 2030, with operations continuing until the 2060s and beyond.
Subsea7, a company with extensive experience in offshore wind installations, has previously collaborated with Simply Blue on the Salamander Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland. Spark Renewables, on the other hand, is a prominent green energy developer in Australia. The launch of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (Mara) in Ireland has also been welcomed by renewable energy firms. Mara is responsible for licensing marine surveys and deciding on applications for Maritime Area Consents. The agency will play a crucial role in supporting the development of offshore renewable energy projects, among other uses of the maritime area. Laura Brien, CEO of Mara, emphasized the agency’s importance in enabling projects of strategic significance.
Simply Blue Group, headquartered in Cork, has unveiled plans to develop the Sea Fern floating offshore wind project off the coast of Australia. The project, part of the newly-dedicated Hunter region for renewable energy developments, aims to generate up to 2GW of energy. The consortium behind Sea Fern includes global wind energy consultants Subsea7 and Spark Renewables. This project adds to Simply Blue’s extensive portfolio of floating wind projects, which currently exceeds 10GW. With offices in various locations, including Cork, Dublin, and Nova Scotia, Simply Blue is well-positioned to drive renewable energy development.
The Sea Fern project is currently in its inception phase, with the consortium applying for a Feasibility Licence under the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021. This seven-year licence will allow the consortium to conduct essential technical, environmental, and social impact studies, as well as obtain necessary approvals and engage in consultations. The goal is to ensure the project’s viability and pave the way for construction to commence by 2030. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to continue producing energy well into the 2060s and beyond.
Subsea7, with over a decade of experience in offshore wind installations, has successfully completed more than 1,000 projects worldwide. The company has previously collaborated with Simply Blue on the Salamander Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland. Spark Renewables, on the other hand, is a key player in Australia’s green energy sector and owns various renewable assets.
In addition to the Sea Fern project, the recent launch of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (Mara) in Ireland has been welcomed by renewable energy firms. Mara is a state agency responsible for licensing marine surveys and deciding on applications for Maritime Area Consents. Its establishment is seen as a significant development, as it will support the delivery of various strategic projects, including offshore renewable energy initiatives, ports development, and cabling and telecoms projects. Laura Brien, CEO of Mara, highlighted the agency’s role in enabling projects of strategic importance and utilizing the maritime area effectively.