The Irish offshore wind industry could support up to 12,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030, according to new research.
The EirWind Blueprint study says work in various areas including planning, development, installation and O&M will be available if 6.3GW of projects are built in this decade.
“Our study is the first to undertake a detailed systematic analysis of domestic direct and indirect employment based on Ireland’s ability to supply products and services to the sector. Peripheral coastal communities could be transformed by these new employment opportunities,” said co-principal investigator Jimmy Murphy.
Investment in at least three port clusters can act as a catalyst for jobs and is a key enabler, added the study.
“Exchequer funding and private investment will play an important role in providing the financial support to fully exploit the opportunity that the emerging offshore wind sector in Ireland represents for the taxpayer, the labour force and consumers,” stated the report.
“According to the EirWind Blueprint European funding can also be leveraged, as the Green Deal provides a stimulus to rebuild the economy post Covid. Offshore wind is only one part of the sustainability solution, however, it can play a major role in the future security and wellbeing of Irish people, for generations to come.”
Meanwhile, the study calls for up to 30 new personnel to be recruited within the next two years to work in government and state agencies to support the build out of the sector.
EirWind is a MaREI Centre industry-led collaborative research project.