An around 5GW pipeline of Irish offshore wind projects requires clear policy on planning and grid connections to advance, a sector conference has heard.
Trade body the Irish Wind Energy Association said offshore wind will be required to contribute to national 2030 energy targets.
Offshore also has a route to market in new support scheme RESS, chief executive David Connolly told delegates of an offshore wind forum in Arklow, County Wicklow, this morning.
However, there are still “questions” over the consenting regime, which is currently on hold, and the ability to secure grid access under the new connection system known as ECP.
“For a generation we have seen some of the world’s best offshore wind energy resources go unused,” he said.
“While other countries have forged ahead, using offshore wind energy as a core part of their transition to low-carbon economies, Ireland has fallen behind.”
Arklow Bank (pictured) is currently Ireland’s only offshore wind farm.