The Irish government is committed to working with the offshore wind sector to implement a new Climate Action Plan, according to Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar.
Dublin is set to publish the blueprint, which may include new renewables capacity targets for 2030, in the coming weeks.
He told delegates at Wind Energy Ireland Offshore Wind that meeting the goals will require “streamlined planning and grid connections”.
Meanwhile, Varadkar said planning is underway to detail the terms and conditions for the first RESS offshore wind auction that is expected next year.
Varadkar meanwhile highlighted the job opportunities that offshore wind could provide.
“Enterprise Ireland is actively working to develop Irish SME capacity in the offshore wind sector,” Varadkar said, quoting the latest Wind Energy Ireland report that estimates Ireland’s wind farms could provide more than 7000 jobs by 2030.
Varadkar also said corporate power purchase agreements will play an important role in offshore wind.