Offshore wind farms – fixed and floating

Sir, – Further to “Trouble brewing with nearshore turbines as Irish offshore wind energy reaches launch phase” (Analysis, Environment, April 29th), our members are committed to floating wind energy and, as of earlier this year, have 15 separate floating projects under development. Two years ago we published Revolution: A Vision for Floating Wind Energy, setting out that Ireland can, and must, accelerate development of this exciting new technology. But as determined as we are to make Ireland a leader in floating wind energy, the reality is that proven, cost-effective, fixed-bottom turbines are the only way to reach our 2030 targets, cut our emissions and cut your electricity bill.

This is the technology being used on the overwhelming majority of new offshore wind farms around the world and, when deployed off Ireland’s east and west coasts, will be a significant step towards a cleaner, more secure, supply of Irish energy.

Together with the onshore wind farms which provided more than a third of the country’s electricity last year, our offshore wind farms, fixed and floating, will be the cornerstone of Irish energy independence. – Yours, etc,

JUSTIN MORAN,