Dutch surveyor Fugro has secured a two-year environmental services contract with EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned electricity transmission operator. This contract involves long-term marine mammal monitoring along Ireland’s south coast, a critical component of EirGrid’s Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme.
Contract Details
The contract marks the first commercial deployment of Fugro’s purpose-built mooring system. Fugro will install and maintain a network of eight static, silent seabed moorings equipped with underwater acoustic sensors. These sensors will detect and record cetacean activity, providing EirGrid with regular updates and annual reports on species presence and distribution.
Supporting Renewable Energy
The Powering Up Offshore – South Coast programme aims to connect approximately 900MW of renewable electricity to the national grid, enough to power nearly 1 million homes. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing Ireland’s energy security and meeting climate ambitions.
“Long-term monitoring helps us build a clear, evidence-based understanding of the marine environment we operate in,” said Robert Fennelly, senior ecologist at EirGrid.
Environmental Impact
EirGrid is committed to integrating high-quality environmental data into all stages of its offshore programmes. This approach supports Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon energy future by ensuring that renewable energy projects are developed responsibly.
| Project Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 2 years |
| Monitoring Units | 8 seabed moorings |
| Renewable Capacity | 900MW |
Future Outlook
The successful implementation of this contract will not only support Ireland’s renewable energy goals but also set a precedent for future offshore wind projects. The data collected will be crucial for understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of such developments.
The collaboration between Fugro and EirGrid exemplifies the integration of environmental stewardship with energy infrastructure development, paving the way for sustainable progress.
