Shell has pulled out of two wind projects off the coast of Cork and Clare operated by Simply Blue Group a year after the British company acquired stakes in the developments.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, Shell and Simply Blue stated that Shell’s decision to leave the Western Star and Emerald projects was a “portfolio decision.” Shell also stated that offshore wind continues to be a key growth sector for its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand its renewable energy business.
Simply Blue said it is progressing towards a new partnership and remains “fully focused” on developing the two projects, which have a joint capacity of 2.65 gigawatt (GW).
Shell has more than 13 GW of wind capacity in operation, under construction and in the funnel of potential projects, including a 50 per cent stake in 5 GW of floating wind projects in Scotland.
Shell agreed to acquire 51 per cent stakes in the Western Star and Emerald projects in 2021.