Ireland Charts Course for 37 GW Offshore Wind Energy by 2050

Ireland has set an ambitious target to harness 37 GW of offshore wind energy by 2050. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, today launched the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, which outlines the future of offshore wind projects in Ireland. 

The Future Framework is the long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy (ORE) in Ireland. The policy sets out the pathway Ireland will take to deliver 20 GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37 GW in total by 2050. This forms part of the government’s broader objective to generate 80% of the country’s electricity from renewable projects in Ireland. 

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The Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy includes 29 key actions to develop Ireland’s long-term, plan-led approach to offshore wind. An analysis of economic opportunities underpins it, aiming to stimulate investment and optimize the financial and economic benefits of offshore renewable energy for the state and local communities.

It also explores the potential to export excess renewable energy through increased interconnection and analyses opportunities for using excess renewable energy for alternative energy products and services that can be fed into the global electrolyser market.

At Wind Energy Ireland's Annual Conference in Dublin, a new report revealed that the Irish economy could benefit at least USD 47 billion from achieving this target. The report, titled “Building Our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs,"  is the most comprehensive analysis to date of the opportunities for Irish businesses in the offshore wind energy sector.

Ireland established a cross-government taskforce to ensure a coordinated approach across government, agencies, and industry in coordinating the full range of activities required to maximize the economic benefits of offshore wind development for the state.

The key actions under the Taskforce’s Offshore Wind Energy Programme include measures relating to DMAPs and marine planning, biodiversity, grid connection, supply chain, port policy, skills and workforce, and regulatory consenting.

Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, stressed the importance of developing green skills and jobs. He stated that the development of offshore wind resources is a key objective for the government, as it will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also bring greater energy security and reduce costs for consumers.

Objectives of the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy

The objectives of the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy are as follows:

Decarbonization: The framework aims to decarbonize the economy in line with legally binding national targets and international climate ambitions.

Energy Security: It seeks to ensure long-term energy security for Ireland.

Green Industrial Opportunities: The framework aims to develop green industrial opportunities for offshore renewable energy in the global wind market.

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Affordability of Energy for Consumers: The framework aims to ensure the affordability of energy for consumers.

Read: Ørsted Secures Licences to Develop Large-scale Offshore Wind Projects in Australia

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