*** Please Note: If you do not meet the funding eligibility criteria, we will need to collect the full course fee. ***

Start Date: 2nd February 2024
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Venue: Online (MS Teams)

*** Please scroll down to Course Schedule for full training schedule *** 

Course Overview 

This comprehensive course explores the multifaceted domain of offshore wind energy development in Ireland. The course delves into the fundamental modules necessary to comprehend the intricate landscape of this sustainable energy sector. The training plan comprises of 6 training modules covering the key aspects of offshore wind consenting and development, with a focus on the Irish market.

Participants will gain insights into the current offshore wind market landscape, including a policy and market update, an overview of regulation and planning and the importance of environmental considerations. Next, the course provides an overview of transport and installation for offshore wind, including supply chain, installation methodologies, and risk assessment.

Participants will also learn site selection, constraints, and environmental considerations. This module will provide an overview of the technology required to deliver an offshore wind farm, as well as the constraint mapping and site selection required for choosing a site. Next, the process for using metocean data analysis for developing site condition assessment and a full review of the design process will be provided.

The next module will cover the geotechnical and geophysical survey requirements required for developing offshore wind, and the INOFOMAR programme will be introduced. The final module will cover survey strategies for attaining geotechnical data and the use of “geo data” for different purposes will be presented.

Course Objectives

Learning objectives include: 

• Understand the regulatory framework: The course aims to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the regulatory processes and requirements involved in developing offshore wind energy projects in Ireland. This includes gaining insights into the relevant laws, policies, and procedures governing the consent and development of such projects.

• Comprehend the practical aspects: Participants will learn about the practical aspects of offshore wind project development, including the key steps involved in obtaining consent and navigating through the various stages of the project lifecycle. This knowledge will equip them with the necessary skills to effectively manage and implement such projects.

• Analyse environmental considerations: The course will focus on the environmental aspects of offshore wind energy projects, helping participants understand the importance of environmental impact assessments and sustainable practices. Participants will gain insights into how to mitigate potential environmental impacts and promote responsible development. 

• Explore the strategic approach: The course will enable participants to devise a strategic approach to obtaining consent for offshore wind projects, considering factors such as stakeholder engagement, community relations, and the best practices in the industry. Participants will learn how to develop a well-rounded strategy to secure approvals and support for their projects. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory processes: Participants will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory requirements and processes involved in the development and consenting of offshore wind energy projects in Ireland.

• Proficiency in project development: Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to manage offshore wind projects effectively. This includes understanding project planning, risk assessment, and project management principles specific to the offshore wind sector.

• Expertise in environmental considerations: Participants will be able to assess the environmental impacts of offshore wind projects and propose suitable mitigation measures. They will demonstrate an understanding of sustainable practices and their importance in the context of offshore wind development.

• Strategic thinking and stakeholder management: The course will equip participants with the ability to develop a strategic approach to obtain consent for offshore wind projects. Participants will learn how to engage with stakeholders, build positive community relationships, and effectively communicate the benefits of their projects.

• Application of design envelope concepts and survey management: Participants will gain valuable insights into design envelope concepts specific to offshore wind projects. Additionally, they will be proficient in managing geophysical and geotechnical surveys necessary for project planning and execution.

Course Content 

Module 1: Market Update and Planning Policy Framework

Policy & Market Update: An overview of the market landscape including the current level of competition, difference between relevant projects and other projects in the system, timing of MAP and establishment of MARA, implications of the transitional protocol, and likely RESS timelines.

Regulation, Planning and Environment: The regulatory regime will be introduced, and the following will be discussed: the role of ABP in the future of offshore wind planning, the potential for objections, consultation process on MAP, the importance of environmental considerations, etc.

Environmental Assessments: The role of Strategic Environmental Assessments, Appropriate Assessments, NIS, and EIARs will all be covered. Specific examples will be provided in the context of Irish development and some specific environmental designations around the Irish coast.

Module 2: Transport and Installation

GDG shall provide an overview of the transport and installation requirements for developing offshore wind. This module will cover offshore wind supply chain, installation methodologies and analysis, risk assessment and execution strategy. 

Module 3: Site Selection, Constraints and Environmental Considerations

Technology Overview: An overview of the technology required to deliver a wind farm. This includes landfall, cabling, substations, and main turbine array. The different foundation types, and the relative implications each have on (a) consenting; (b) data requirements; (c) engineering and (d) supply chain.

Constraint Mapping and Site Selection: This will address the topic of “what makes an ideal site for an “offshore wind farm”. Minimising LCOE and maximising chance of consenting shall be discussed. Specific constraints topics including: water depths, distance to shore, visual impacts, fisheries, geohazards, archaeology, benthic habitats, wind speeds, metocean conditions, sediment type, underlying geology, etc. 

Module 4: Metocean Data, Analysis and Design

Metocean data analysis: The process for developing site condition assessments and physical site characterisation reports shall be outlined and how this interface with the consenting requirements, preliminary design development and wind farm certification.

Design and Certification: A full review of the design process shall be provided and the impact on timelines, budgets and risks shall be addressed. The need for design inputs at particular times will also be explored to identify the project critical path and which activities need to be front loaded.

Module #5: Geo-Surveys

Geotechnical: The geotechnical survey requirements will cover boreholes, CPTs, seabed CPTs, seismic CPTs, down hole testing for rock (HRAT, televiewer, etc.) and Lab testing. Different vessel types will be introduced, and the relative merits of different testing techniques will be identified.

Geophysical: The geophysical survey requirements will cover an overview of geophysical methods and equipment such as SSS, MBES, Seismic Reflection, Seismic Refraction, the merits and outcomes of each of the survey methods will be discussed. 

INFOMAR programme: The INFOMAR programme is one of the largest seabed mapping programmes in the world and provides coverage around the Irish coast with datasets including bathymetry, shallow seismic, etc. GDG has utilised INFOMAR data to inform many aspects of offshore wind farm decision making including geohazard identification, benthic habitat mapping, engineering studies (e.g., Cable routing, ground model development).

Module 6: Survey Strategy and Ground Modelling Development

Survey Strategy: This module will focus on the strategy of attaining geotechnical data and when devex is optimally spent for geotechnical/geophysical data gathering. The impact of geotechnical data capture on the project risk profile will be discussed and how this can influence on price certainty coming into a RESS auction will be covered.

Data Integration and Ground Model Development: The use of “geo data” for different purposes shall be presented. For example, geophysical data can be used for archaeology, benthic, ground modelling and engineering purposes. The integration of different datasets into common platforms is particularly useful for risk management across the development and across multiple phases.

Who Should Attend

• Engineers and Technicians: Those who work in the renewable energy sector, particularly in offshore wind, would benefit from learning about the specific challenges and opportunities in Ireland.

• Energy Industry Professionals: Individuals working in the energy sector, such as project managers, developers, and policymakers, can gain valuable insights into offshore wind development and planning in Ireland.

• Environmental and Site Assessment Experts: Professionals involved in environmental impact assessment and site characterisation for offshore wind projects would find relevance in the modules related to site characterisation and development constraints.

• Researchers and Academics: Scholars and researchers focused on renewable energy, offshore wind, or sustainable development might find the course beneficial to broaden their knowledge and expertise.

• Government and Regulatory Officials: Staff from regulatory bodies or government agencies responsible for energy policy and planning can use the knowledge gained in this course to make informed decisions and support the growth of offshore wind in Ireland.

• Investors and Financial Analysts: Individuals interested in investing in offshore wind projects in Ireland would benefit from understanding the planning, power systems, and development constraints involved in such projects.

• Consultants and Advisors: Professionals who provide consulting or advisory services to the renewable energy sector, especially offshore wind, would find this course relevant to enhance their capabilities.

• Students and Graduates: Those studying engineering, environmental sciences, energy, or related fields can use this course to expand their knowledge and prepare for potential careers in the offshore wind industry.

Course Schedule

Course Trainers

Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions are the only indigenous Irish offshore wind consultancy that has been involved in all aspects of offshore wind development, from project inception through to the commissioning.

This course will be delivered by seven different trainers. 

Module 1:

Jeannine Dunne is as an experienced and professional former civil Servant with over sixteen years of experience in areas including policy analysis and the provision of policy and legislative advice across a range of policy areas in both the terrestrial and marine space. Jeannine has led the Offshore Marine Advisory team at GDG since early 2020, working across a broad range of projects.

Module 2:

Fabrizio Gardini is head of transport and installation engineering at GDG, and is a chartered mechanical engineer with over 20 years experience in installation engineering, transportation, commissioning activities and project management for the offshore energy sector.

Module 3:

David O’Sullivan is a principal development consultant at GDG and is a chartered environmentalist with over 14 years professional experience. His expertise includes development activities for a number of offshore wind projects in areas including survey licensing/permitting, stakeholder engagement, procurement of environmental studies and EIAR/NIS and planning application preparation. 

James McAteer is an experienced geologist within GDG, with over 8 years professional experience. He has worked across a range of projects, including GIS development, geospatial analytics, hydrogeological monitoring and mapping and offshore wind site identification and refinement.

Module 4:

Dr Jimmy Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at University College Cork, who is an experienced coastal engineer, having worked on over 150 projects varying in size from small research consultancy projects to large EU funded projects. For offshore renewables, he developed designs for innovative wave energy devices, floating wind platforms as well as hybrid platforms.

Dr Soroosh Jalilvand has lead the Offshore Design at GDG since 2021, and has over 12 years experience in Offshore Design Engineering. He completed a PhD in Marine Geotechnical Engineering at University College Dublin. He has extensive experience in design of foundations for offshore wind from concept to detailed design for projects in the Irish Sea, North Sea (including German EEZ), Baltic Sea, and off the coast of Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam. 

Module 5:

Toby Harrison is Head of Offshore Survey management at GDG, and has over 15 years’ experience in offshore site investigation and asset inspection. He has an in-depth understanding of multi-role survey vessel operations, from vessel mobilisation and survey data acquisition to survey completion and collation of client deliverables. 

Module 6:

Toby Harrison is Head of Offshore Survey management at GDG, and has over 15 years’ experience in offshore site investigation and asset inspection. He has an in-depth understanding of multi-role survey vessel operations, from vessel mobilisation and survey data acquisition to survey completion and collation of client deliverables.

Liliana Trindade is a Principal Geophysicist and Head of GDG’s Ground Modelling Department, with 17 years’ experience in land and marine geophysical surveys. Liliana specialises in integrating geological, geophysical and geotechnical datasets, and leads a team specialised in desktop studies and ground models for Offshore Wind development in Irish waters, US and Japan.