Ireland stands at a crossroads, facing both a climate and energy crisis. The choices we make now will determine our future - whether we harness our immense offshore wind potential, or watch from the sidelines as the world races ahead.
By 2033, global offshore wind capacity will skyrocket from 75GW to 487GW, reaching a staggering 2,000GW by 2050. This isn’t just an energy transition; it’s an economic revolution.
The 33rd Dáil has laid crucial groundwork. The Maritime Area Planning Bill Act 2021 was enacted, and the Maritime Regulatory Authority (MARA) was established in 2023. In the recent budget, a €10.2 million additional allocation for MARA was announced. Over 3GW of offshore wind capacity has been secured from four contracted Phase 1 projects; three on the east coast, North Irish Sea Array, Dublin Array, Codling Windpark, and one on the west coast at the Sceirde Rocks. Two projects which were unsuccessful at Oriel windpark and Arklow windpark are making progress in securing alternative routes to market.
By year-end, project applications will have been submitted and 5GW of capacity will be under review by An Bord Pleanála. Early 2025 will see the award of development rights to the new 900MW Tonn Nua site off Waterford. Combined, these projects represent a €20 billion investment over the next eight years.
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Delivering these projects won’t be easy. They will face hurdles in permitting, marine spatial planning, and grid connection. Compromise and adaptation will be key. But the potential rewards are immense. Ireland is looking at enhanced energy security, powering millions of Irish homes with clean electricity. We’ll be supporting ambitious 2030 EU climate targets. We have the opportunity to develop an indigenous offshore wind supply chain. Crucially, the boost in jobs and economic gain will be primarily to coastal and rural communities.
Ireland isn’t starting from scratch. Wind energy companies spearheading current projects bring vast international experience. The opportunity is there to leverage this expertise while adapting it to the Irish environment and circumstances. The recent €100 million-plus partnership between the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and the Port of Cork is crucial. Co-funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport program, this investment in Cork Harbour will catalyse an indigenous offshore wind industry.
While focus has been on major commercial ports like Dublin, Rosslare, Cork, and Foynes, we must also invest in smaller fisheries harbours, which are managed differently than the commercial ports. This is critical for spreading economic benefits to Ireland’s regional areas, particularly along the west coast.
the potential rewards are immense. Ireland is looking at enhanced energy security, powering millions of Irish homes with clean electricity. We’ll be supporting ambitious 2030 EU climate targets
Ros a Mhíl Harbour is a case in point. While work on the development of the deepwater pier in Ros a Mhíl is stopped because of another technical planning objection, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) is reluctant to invest the additional €10.5 million that would allow the port to have a real part to play in offshore wind, as well as supporting the seafood sector. This is an example of the lack of co-ordinated management in delivering our climate change commitments.
Ireland has an opportunity to become a global leader in offshore wind. We have the resources, the technology, and the potential. What we need now is decisive action. Our targets are ambitious: 5GW installed capacity by 2030, 20GW by 2040, and at least 37GW by 2050 making Ireland a net exporter of power (1 GW powers 700,000+ homes). But without significant port investment and development in the next Dáil term, Ireland risks being left behind. The late Eoin Sweeney, a driving force in Irish Marine Development and key to the setting up of the Marine Institute warned that we could end up “just making the sandwiches” while others reap the real benefits.
The next government must prioritise streamlined permitting, reducing red tape while maintaining environmental standards. We need heavy investment in our electricity transmission network. Port development is crucial, not just for major harbours, but smaller coastal facilities too. We must prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and help Irish businesses to support the industry so that coastal communities can thrive with new, high-paying jobs.
This future is within our grasp. We must act now, while the tide is rising in Ireland’s offshore renewables sector.
Dr Mark White is a consultant with 40 years experience in marine business globally, including 20 years in marine energy
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