Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a proposed renewable energy project in the Celtic Sea, is delighted to announce the installation of Reef Cubes at Falmouth Harbour in collaboration with Sea-Changers, Our Only World, and Arc Marine.
The 14 cubes installed on 15th May will provide a habitat for a wide variety of marine species, enhance biodiversity in harbour waters and engage the community on environmental impact and floating offshore wind developments.
The Gwynt Glas project team’s aim is to maximise benefits where possible and aligns with the purpose of these biodiversity enhancing Reef Cubes. The design provides living spaces for fish, crabs, and lobsters, while the porous surface allows marine plants to flourish.
Mark Hazelton, Gwynt Glas Project Director said:
“We are proud to be partnering with Falmouth Harbour and marine focused charities, Sea-Changers and Our Only World, to deploy a sustainable biodiversity enhancing solution manufactured by Cornwall based company Arc Marine. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to drive sustainable innovation and maximise local benefits. “
Reef Cubes are designed to regenerate fragile marine ecosystems. By accelerating reef creation and repairing ecosystems, it is possible to protect vital offshore installations and promote marine biodiversity. They are made from recycled aggregate and sand, a by-product of the quarrying industry.
Vicki Spooner, Environment Manager at Falmouth Harbour said:
“We are delighted to be installing Reef Cubes in our harbour. As its custodian, the health and prosperity of our local waters and its users is of paramount importance. Last year we installed Habitiles on the harbour wall and have witnessed their rapid colonisation. We plan to work with Exeter University to monitor the impact of our new Reef Cubes and encourage the local community to witness the way these structures enhance our environment attracting sea life and plant growth over the coming months and years.
Rachel Lopata, Co-Founder of Sea-Changers, a national marine conservation charity, supporting local charity Our Only World, said:
“Our passion lies in championing the marine environment, and Reef Cubes are an exciting possibility as ‘building blocks for the ocean’. This project, funded through Sea-Changers and managed locally by Our Only World was made possible through the partnership with Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm. Our Only World are as committed as we are to marine sustainability and expert at community engagement in this region, they have proved the perfect partner in this project.”
As part of a commitment to raising awareness, the Gwynt Glas project team is also engaging with local schools to educate students about the importance of the marine environment, biodiversity, and renewable energy.
Mark Hazelton said:
“By inspiring the next generation, we hope to foster a deep appreciation for our oceans and encourage future leaders to prioritise their preservation.”
Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm extends its sincere gratitude to Sea-Changers, Our Only World, Falmouth Harbour, and Arc Marine for their support in making this project a reality. It has been a truly collaborative effort.
Ends
The Celtic Sea has been identified as the location for The Crown Estate’s seabed leasing ‘Round 5’. EDF Renewables UK, ESB and Reventus Power have entered into a partnership to develop Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm. The trio are also working with DP Energy’s Pembrokeshire based team, an exclusive development partner in the project, leveraging their local knowledge and expertise.
About EDF Renewables UK and Ireland
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland is a subsidiary of the EDF Group and one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies. Our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 43 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1.5 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity across the UK and Ireland. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 14 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.
About ESB
ESB was established in 1927 as a statutory body under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1927. With a holding of 96.9 per cent, ESB is majority owned by the Irish Government. The remaining 3.1 per cent is held by the trustees of an Employee Share Ownership Plan. As a strong, diversified utility, ESB operates across the electricity market, from generation through transmission and distribution, to supply of customers in addition to using our networks to carry fibre for telecommunications.
As at year-end 2022, ESB has a regulated asset base of approximately €12.0 billion (comprising ESB Networks €9.7 billion and NIE Networks €2.3 billion), a 30 per cent share of generation in the all-island market, and supply businesses supplying electricity and gas to over two million customer accounts throughout the island of Ireland and Great Britain. At June 2023, ESB Group employed almost 9,000 people.
About Reventus Power Ltd.
Reventus Power originates and invests in the development and long-term management of offshore wind projects globally. As a portfolio company of CPP Investments, Reventus invests flexibly, and at scale, across the asset lifecycle.
Reventus invests alongside strategic partners, bringing deep in-house technical, financial, and commercial expertise to projects across three continents.
The team is proven in delivering value through the realisation of high-quality offshore wind projects around the world.
About DP Energy
DP Energy is an Irish company that develops renewable energy projects across the world. Headquartered in Cork, Ireland, DP Energy has to date developed over 1GW of renewable energy projects which are built and operational. With over 30 years’ experience in the global renewable energy sector, DP Energy is 100% committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all of their energy developments. Operating in the UK since the 1990s to deliver onshore wind projects, DP Energy opened an office in Pembroke Dock in 2021 to focus the Celtic Sea floating wind opportunities, whilst progressing a UK and New Markets project pipeline.
About Sea-Changers
Sea-Changers is a charity that gives grants to marine charities and non-profits for conservation and research projects across the British Isles.
The charity works with businesses to raise funds via bespoke corporate partnerships and then distributes funds through grant programmes, supporting marine conservation within local communities.
Sea-Changers is a registered Charity: England & Wales No. 1142119 / Scotland No. SCO43922.
