Eamon Ryan: “Offshore wind is potentially the largest domestic source of electricity that can replace volatile, imported fossil fuels” (source: Irish Gov)
The Irish government has unveiled its Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, which it describes as Ireland’s most exciting industrial opportunity for decades
The document was released on 1 May 2024 by Ireland’s Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan. It describes a long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in Ireland and the industrial opportunities it represents.
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. It also provides the evidence base for Ireland’s ambitious offshore targets.
The Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy is one of the key actions published under the government’s Offshore Wind Energy Programme, the system-wide plan developed by the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. Publication of another key action of the Taskforce, the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), will be announced by Minister Ryan on 3 May. “Ireland’s Offshore wind programme is progressing to plan, meeting each of its three-phased objectives and timelines,” said the government in its announcement.
The Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy includes 29 key actions to develop Ireland’s long-term, plan-led approach to offshore wind. It is built on an analysis of economic opportunities to encourage investment and maximise the financial and economic return of offshore renewable energy to 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 international markets.
The guiding principles of the policy include the protection of maritime environment and biodiversity, affordability of energy for consumers, an equitable return to communities, alignment of policy and infrastructure, inspiring confidence for investment, emphasising technological innovation, illuminating opportunities for return to the state and prioritising stakeholder and public engagement.
Minister Ryan said, “Renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionise our economy, offering significant regional and national economic benefits while giving us more control over our energy sovereignty.
“Our offshore wind energy is potentially the largest domestic source of electricity that can replace volatile, imported fossil fuels. It also gives us our most exciting industrial opportunity for decades as we plan to not only power our own country, but export our excess energy to power Europe.
“This is a dynamic, fast-paced and evolving landscape and we are setting out our Future Framework now so that we will be ready, along with our local communities and business partners, for the future of all potential offshore renewable energy sources, including fixed and floating wind, wave and tidal renewable energy.
“Going to our Atlantic Ocean is not something that can happen overnight. The technology needed to harness the Atlantic’s enormous potential is still being developed globally. But this strategy provides our planned, evidenced-based approach to realising our energy potential, and we will ensure that Ireland’s west coast is on the cutting edge of this development.”
Publication of the Future Framework follows a five-week period of public consultation that took place earlier this year.
