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Project Code [GOIPG/2023/4174]
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Project title
Submarine Cables Routes from Offshore Windfarms - Seabed Classification Mapping
Primary Funding Agency
Irish Research Council
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
University College Cork
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
The Irish Government�s Climate Action Plan aims to increase renewable energy generation capacity from 4.5 gigawatts (GW) to 15GW by 2030, with at least 5GW of this to be produced by offshore wind. Currently there is just one active offshore wind farm in Ireland; however, several projects in the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are in various stages of development. The potential to harness and develop this resource is significant; however not all areas offshore are suitable. Moreover, not all routes from windfarms to land are suitable for the submarine cables needed to transfer the energy produced offshore back to the onshore grid. This project proposes to utilise geospatial analysis to identify the optimal route selection for offshore cables, supporting our understanding of the geomorphology and potential geohazards associated with these environments. This research will focus on proposals in the south and west coasts of Ireland, as these areas are under the most intense development for offshore wind, in particular floating wind platforms. To achieve this, a geospatial repository of public and private sector data, such as bathymetry, sediment, ecology, and geohazards will be compiled to ensure of the key features related to cable route feasibility are included in the spatial analysis. From there, focus on individual sites will be based on suitability criteria and where there are current plans for development of offshore wind. Finally, a suite of route selection methods, such as least-cost paths, network analysis (i.e., shortest paths), and simulations (i.e., travelling salesman algorithm) will be reviewed and implemented to identify the optimal environmental routes for offshore cables .
Grant Approved
�30,000.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
2. Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/08/2024