Fieldfisher in Dublin has advised Celtic Sea energy developer Simply Blue Energy, on its joint venture with Total to develop floating wind projects off the Welsh coast.

The first development will be Erebus, a 96MW demonstration project at water depths of 70 metres, for which an application has been submitted to the British Crown Estate.

The project will be developed to use Principle Power’s trademarked Windfloat technology, one of the most advanced floating technologies worldwide and open a new chapter in the development of renewable energy in the British Isles.

Developing the potential of the Celtic Sea will contribute to the carbon fuel net zero 2050 goal.

Supply chain

Simply Blue Energy, which is based in Co Cork, has established an office in Pembroke in Wales to work with the local supply chain on the opportunities created by this project.

Fieldfisher's Dublin team, assisted by colleagues from the firm's London office, advised Simply Blue on all aspects of the transaction.

Feilim O’Caoimh, partner, and head of corporate and renewable energy at Fieldfisher Ireland said: “We are thrilled to have been part of this revolutionary project which marks an important new step for renewable energy generation in the UK and Ireland.

Early stages 

“Floating wind technology is still in the early stages of adoption in these markets, but for many it is the next frontier.

“The advantage of floating wind farms is that they are able to benefit from offshore wind speeds which are typically faster and steadier than on land, without many of the attendant construction and maintenance challenges associated with building fixed offshore structures.

Uncertain

“In these uncertain times, it is particularly rewarding to be able to deliver some positive news and we look forward to working on further innovative deals as part of the energy transition, including through and beyond the current COVID-19 crisis.”

Fieldfisher is a European law firm with market-leading practices in energy and natural resources, technology, financial services and life sciences and has been active in energy and natural resources for over 50 years.

Specialist

Its specialist lawyers offer a full-service practice in oil and gas, conventional power, renewables, mining and energy commodities and cross-sector capabilities at the nexus between energy and new technology.

Fieldfisher is based in Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, the UK and the US.