A HUGE section of the South Down coastline has been identified as the location for a massive offshore wind farm.
Developers are being urged to submit proposals to build and operate wind farms along a section of coastline stretching from Strangford Lough to Carlingford Lough.
The Crown Estate, the body which collects revenue generated around the Province’s coastline, has identified the area of South Down for a massive renewable energy development.
At Monday night’s monthly meeting of Down Council, local politicians accepted an invitation from the Crown Estate to meet with its officials to discuss the wind farm proposal.
The offshore wind area will be leased to a single company and is expected to deliver up to 600MW of generating capacity.
A competitive tendering process will be used to select a preferred bidder, with the winning firm able to demonstrate its ability to deliver a fully operational project by 2020. It is hoped the identity of the successful bidder will be confirmed next autumn.
Crown Estate marine director, Rob Hastings, said its discussions with the industry have highlighted demand for leasing rounds. He said this represents “another major step forward for the UK’s already world leading offshore renewables industry.
He continued: “The energy infrastructure projects to be delivered will not only reap significant economic benefits for Northern Ireland, but will also further diversify the energy supply away from industrial sources to low carbon renewable energy.
Mr. Gary Connolly, chairman of the Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group, explained the organisation represents the onshore and offshore wind and marine energy sectors in the Province.
He said these technologies will, in combination, make an important contribution to 2020 energy needs and those beyond.
Meanwhile Stormont Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said the development of offshore renewable energy provides not only greater energy security and diversity, but significant economic and employment benefits.
South Down Assemblyman Sean Rogers has said there is a need for a “careful balance” between maximising the opportunities from green energy production and the maintenance of the constituency’s uniquely green environmental legacy.
Mr. Rodgers said there must be cross-party political consensus to maximise the initial direct jobs potential as well as the long term maintenance and service sectors associated with increased green energy systems.
He continued: “There is a complex balance that has to be struck. The image of the Mountains of Mourne sweeping down to the sea is a copyright that belongs to the world. We must in parallel develop the spectacular tourism potential of South Down.
“There must be recognition from government of the special environmental needs of this part of Ireland. It has to be sensitive to the maintenance of our traditional fishing areas and our wider marine ecology.”