Intertek, a pioneer Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has successfully completed the management of two years of marine megafauna and bird surveys on behalf of Saoirse Wave Energy Ltd, a joint venture between Simply Blue Group and ESB for their Saoirse Wave Energy Converter (WEC) Project on the West Coast of Ireland.
Subcontracted by Intertek, HiDef Surveying Ltd (HiDef) conducted aerial site surveys and terrestrial landfall surveys to quantify the bird, marine mammal, and other marine megafauna populations that are using the site.
Aerial site surveys
This data will contribute to the ecological impact assessment. Intertek was not only responsible for the successful delivery of the surveys over the 2-year period, but also for processing and quality assurance of the bird and marine megafauna data, including habitat modelling analysis and species mapping.
When developed, the Simply Blue Group and ESB's Saoirse Wave Energy Converter Project will consist of a 5MW wave energy conversion array of approximately 14 units and will be the first array-scale WEC test and demonstration project in Ireland. It is designed to prove the viability of WEC technology through long-term deployment in the harsh, energetic conditions of the North Atlantic.
The predictability and consistency of wave energy has long been recognised as a tremendous potential renewable energy resource, allowing for the balance of grid demand while also delivering on the responsibility and commitments to transition from fossil fuel energy production.
Supporting innovative projects
We are delighted to have been able to support Simply Blue Group over the last two years"
The marine renewables market is rapidly expanding, and Simply Blue Group and ESB's Saoirse Wave Energy Converter Project will allow Ireland to be amongst the first commercial users of this new clean energy resource, thus helping Ireland achieve its net zero goals by 2050.
Eric Houston, Associate Director for Intertek Energy & Water, commented: “We are delighted to have been able to support Simply Blue Group over the last two years with the management of these important surveys. This project is a first of its kind in Ireland, and we are excited about not only the future of WEC technology but also the many ways in which Intertek’s experts can support innovative projects such as these, building on Intertek’s 20+ year track-record in marine renewables.”
Marking significant milestone
Sue Barr, Director of Marine Energy, Simply Blue Group commented: “The successful completion of these ecological surveys marks a significant milestone in Simply Blue Group and ESB's Saoirse Wave Energy Converter Project development pathway.”
Sue Barr adds, “This work will provide a greater understanding of bird, marine mammal and other large marine megafauna populations and how they use the site, allowing the project team to incorporate these findings into the environmental impact assessment process and design the project in the most sustainable way possible. This significant work also highlights the commitment both Simply Blue Group and ESB have to progressing wave energy development in Ireland and to adding a vital component to our renewable energy mix.”
