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About Saoirse Wave Energy
This proposed WEC development will focus on the installation of a c. 5 MW capacity demonstration array. The site will be located 4km off the west coast of Co. Clare and will consist of an interconnected array of devices, each generating energy with the rise and fall of the ocean.
This cutting-edge wave energy conversion array will provide a steady, reliable energy resource, while acting as a blueprint for similar future projects, both here in Ireland and around the world, paving the way for future projects into the 2030s. Click here to view visualisations simulating how the Saoirse WEC site will look from shore.
Blue Energy Future
≈4km
Coastal Distance
≈5MW
Total capacity
3,500
homes
Equivalent potential power
While a range of wave energy conversion technologies and methodologies exist globally, Saoirse is planned to be developed using a surface point absorber-type wave energy converter array developed by CorPower Ocean.
This technology, inspired by the pumping of the human heart, consists of floating surface buoys, anchored to the seabed by a pre-tensioned system, that rise and fall with wave motion. The resulting mechanical energy is converted to electricity for export to shore through a system of inter-array and export cables.
In 2015, Simply Blue Group carried out a technology landscape review to assess global WEC options. This resulted in a collaboration agreement with CorPower Ocean, who have since demonstrated the viability and durability of their technology through a three-year deployment off Scotland, leading to its consideration for Saoirse.
CorPower’s C4 unit is currently undergoing a further full-scale test deployment in Atlantic waters off Portugal.
A similar review was carried out again 2020, reinforcing confidence in CorPower Ocean’s technology.
Project Timeline
Commence
Environmental
surveys
Submission
Decision (FID)
c. 5MW Array
2028/29