A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland on the future of offshore wind in Ireland at the Wind Europe annual conference in Copenhagen.
As outlined in the Irish government’s Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, the MoU aims to deepen cooperation and collaboration between the three agencies, to support the development of the Irish offshore wind sector.
It will focus on attracting inwards investments, enhancing opportunities for companies in the offshore wind sector, including training in the area of public procurement tendering, and building the supply chain required for the delivery of Ireland’s target of 37GW of offshore wind energy by 2050.
This action is in line with government’s policy for connecting at least 5GW of offshore wind power to the electricity grid, a vital part the State’s commitment for renewable energy to meet 80% of Ireland’s annual electricity consumption in the coming years.
Welcoming the signing of the MoU, Michael Mahon, chief infrastructure officer at EirGrid, said: “Today marks a great step in energy cooperation between State agencies, which will be vital in helping Ireland meet our ambitious renewable targets, including developing five gigawatts of offshore wind in the coming years.
“The development of renewables in the Irish maritime area is critical for achieving our energy transition and boosting energy security.
“This memorandum of understanding shows the critical need to expand and deepen our collaboration for the benefit of Ireland and our sustainable energy future.”
Matt Kennedy, head of client transformation at IDA Ireland, added: “Strengthening collaboration between Ireland’s enterprise agencies and EirGrid is crucial to accelerating offshore wind deployment in Ireland and transforming our energy system.
“By working together, we can drive market interest, expand industry knowledge, and create a thriving environment for offshore wind development.”
Mark Christal, divisional manager for food & sustainability at Enterprise Ireland, said: “The signing of the MoU between the three agencies represents important development opportunities for Ireland’s home-grown offshore wind sector, including the Enterprise Ireland supported Gael Offshore Network, Ireland’s supply chain for the global offshore wind industry.
“This MoU recognises the potential benefits to Ireland from cooperation between the parties.
“It will underpin existing support for Irish companies with expertise in areas including civil and marine engineering, geotechnical/geophysical capability, materials handling, environmental surveys and data collection, along with an innovative expertise in digital for offshore and associated cybersecurity.
“The expertise within Irish companies will be key to delivering Ireland’s offshore wind and sustainability ambitions.”