Achieving Ireland’s 2050 offshore wind energy targets could be worth at least €38bn to the Irish economy, according to a new report launched at Wind Energy Ireland’s Annual Conference in Dublin.
The Building our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs report, produced for Green Tech Skillnet and Wind Energy Ireland by BVG Associates noted that significant investment in training and skills development will be needed to maximise the economic benefit to Ireland from the development of offshore wind farms.
While there is already a growing number of Irish companies involved in offshore wind energy, including some competing internationally, the industry will need far more workers if it is to achieve the targets set by the Irish Government.
The report identifies numerous parallel industries, such as marine and engineering, where workers have skills transferable to wind energy development. This suggests targeted investment in upskilling and retraining could yield significant employment opportunities.
Collaboration between government and industry will be key to ensuring that the billions of euros to be invested in building a new generation of offshore wind farms stays in Ireland.
Speaking about the launch of the report, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD said: “Developing green skills and green jobs has become a top priority of mine and my Department.
“The development of our offshore wind resources is a key objective for Government. Not only will it help us reduce our carbon emissions, but it will bring greater energy security and reduce costs for consumers.
“This report clearly demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits to communities across Ireland, particularly in the shape of new job opportunities.
“This will shape my Department’s work and ambition with stakeholders across government, the public sector, the tertiary education sector, and industry, as we look to build the skills we need to deliver a greener more sustainable future.”