Simply Blue ties up for floating wind-powered coastal industry plan in Northern Ireland
Nomadic project would wire together large-scale deepwater turbine array with manufacturing plant, hydrogen production and data centre in Ballykelly, near Lough Foyle
Offshore clean-energy developer Simply Blue has agreed a deal with Northern Ireland’s MJM Renewables to build a floating wind-powered green industrial hub near Londonderry.
The Nomadic offshore wind project will wire together a large-scale deepwater turbine array with manufacturing plant, hydrogen production, a data centre and advanced R&D facilities on shore in Ballykelly, located inland from Lough Foyle.
“Nomadic will utilise floating offshore wind technology rather than fixed bottom structures, allowing positioning in deeper offshore areas with higher wind potential away from coastal shorelines, shipping lanes and fishing grounds,” said Simply Blue CEO Sam Roch-Perks.
“Northern Ireland represents huge opportunities for the renewable sector, and we look forward to combining our expertise and working with MJM Renewables to help realise their vision for a green energy hub at Ballykelly.”
MJM Renewables director Naoimh McConville said: “We are supportive of Northern Ireland’s energy strategy, and believe it is even more critical than ever to ensure secure, affordable, and green energy for future generations.
“The [Ballykelly] renewable energy hub will be the catalyst to attract and develop the green economy in the Northwest, and it will help drive the shift to a zero-carbon economy and society.”
Ireland’s economy minister Gordon Lyons added: “This project sits well with the ethos of Northern Ireland’s new Energy Strategy, The Path to Net Zero Energy.
“With the current rise in energy prices being felt by businesses and the public alike, our plan to phase out fossil fuels to ensure more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy, helping the economy to prosper while creating jobs, has never been more prevalent.”