Ireland’s onshore wind sector is “trapped in an eternal groundhog day,” according to the Irish Wind Farmers’ Association ahead of its annual conference.
IWFA chairperson Richard Walshe said delays in the planning system are jeopardising Ireland’s 2030 renewable energy targets.
“We’ve reached an impasse,” said Walshe, speaking ahead of the organisation’s annual conference taking place on Thursday, 27th November at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny.
“Without decisive action, planning obstacles pose a serious threat to achieving the commitments outlined in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan,” said Walshe.
The IWFA said Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets 9GW of onshore wind by 2030, but the goal is slipping out of reach without stronger government leadership.
Walshe said: “We urgently need reform in the planning process.”
He added: “Current projects with full planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála are set back or delayed due to minor clerical errors or resolvable issues, such as tree felling.”
The conference, sponsored by Flogas, will focus on planning reform, grid connection, the increasing role of battery energy storage and policies surrounding the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.
IWFA warned that communities are being left without the necessary support to drive successful wind projects.
Sessions will cover planning developments, the Planning Development Act, grid integration and hybrid connections.
Speakers include Lisa Foley from Cornwall Insight, Paul McGoldrick from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and Barry Caslin from Teagasc.
The event will also discuss Sustainable Energy Community projects and biodiversity mapping.
The conference theme is “Accelerating Renewables to 2030. Ireland’s Progress and Response to the EU’s Renewable Energy Ambition.”
IWFA said the conference aims to unite policymakers, industry leaders and planners to advance Ireland’s clean energy future.