The Irish government has designated grid company Eirgrid as the transmission system operator for the offshore wind sector.
Under the plan Eirgrid will own and operate grid assets for projects around the coast.
The company is currently the TSO for the onshore power grid and its role as offshore operator will be phased in over time.
Eirgrid said the planning and development of the offshore grid assets will enable the operation of offshore wind farms and will play a central role in harnessing the resource.
Eirgrid chief executive Mark Foley (pictured) said: “This is a significant development for the energy industry and at Eirgrid we are pleased that the Minister and the Government have put their confidence in us to lead on a matter of such strategic long-term importance for Ireland.”
He added: “EirGrid is stepping up in support of the government’s Climate Action ambitions with our on-going efforts to increase renewable energy on the grid and in how we are planning for future development and delivery.
“This is a long-term strategic opportunity for Ireland as we seek to maximise our wind resource and, in time, may enable Ireland to become a major exporter of renewable energy.”
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said: “Meeting the ambitious goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 will require development of significant offshore renewable energy over the coming decade.
“What’s really important is that this policy is a further step towards building that renewable sustainable resource right here in Ireland. It will give us energy security, and it will also help us to reduce our carbon emissions. Over the next decade we will be electrifying our transport and other systems and we will need electric power from sustainable resources to do that. Offshore wind is a win-win for local communities and for Ireland.”