Shell withdraws from two Irish floating wind projects of Simply Blue

Image by Simply Blue Energy.

Shell (LON:SHEL) will withdraw from offshore wind developer Simply Blue Group’s Western Star and Emerald floating offshore wind projects in Ireland, the companies confirmed in a joint statement over the weekend.

Simply Blue remains committed to delivering the two projects off the coast of Clare and Cork, respectively, which could together provide 2.65 GW of floating offshore wind power. The company says it is progressing towards a new strategic partnership.

The move is described as a portfolio decision for Shell. The statement adds that offshore wind remains a key growth area for the oil major, which has more than 13 GW of wind capacity in operation, under construction and in the pipeline, including a 50% holding in 5 GW of floating wind projects in Scotland.

Shell signed a deal to acquire 51% of Simply Blue Group’s Western Star development in November 2021. A similar agreement for the Emerald project was signed in early 2021.

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