Minister for climate, energy and the environment Darragh O’Brien has published two taskforce reports detailing major progress in delivering Ireland’s clean energy transition in 2024.
The Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) annual report highlights the Oireachtas approval and publication of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan, moving Ireland to a fully plan-led offshore renewable energy system.
It also details progress on the five Phase One offshore wind projects off the east coast, which submitted planning applications last year and could deliver the bulk of the 5GW offshore wind target.
Ports are also advancing readiness for construction and operations, with the Port of Cork securing funding and beginning redevelopment for the sector. In 2025, OWDT priorities include managing the first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction within the SC-DMAP, starting with the ‘Tonn Nua’ site to procure 900MW and generate €7m annually in community benefit payments.
The Accelerating Renewable Electricity (ARE) Taskforce report outlines achievements including delivery of the fourth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme onshore wind auction, launch of Phase 2 of the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, and the publication of the Electricity Storage Policy Framework.
Ireland reached over 5GW of installed wind capacity in January 2024, with wind now providing more than 35% of annual electricity generation. Solar PV capacity has grown to 1.6GW. National targets include 80% of electricity demand from renewables by 2030 and 20GW of offshore renewable energy by 2040.
O’Brien said the OWDT’s progress “is testament to what can be accomplished when agencies work together to deliver on an agreed, strategically aligned plan”. He added the ARE Taskforce had “played a crucial role in breaking down barriers to renewable energy deployment” and urged continued collaboration to remove bottlenecks in planning, grid and delivery.