Government seeking further options on renewable energy

The Government have said that recent world events only further highlights the need for developing Ireland’s offshore renewable energy.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has emphasised a significant interest in investing in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy development.

The Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce created a report to highlight the challenges faced in 2025 and any updates surrounding renewable energy development.

Key milestones outlined in the report include: Planning applications for all 5 Phase One projects in development off Ireland's East Coast have been lodged with An Coimisúin Pleanála, with progress made towards first decisions. Their collective capacity of 3.8GW represents more than 60% of Ireland’s present peak electricity demand.

EirGrid's engagement with the Phase One projects to integrate their future electricity generation, whilst also progressing actions to accommodate future electricity generation into the grid from the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan (SC-DMAP). Tonn Nua was the first of four sites within the SC-SMAP to be brought to a developer auction.

Publication of the Proposal and Public Participation Statement for a National Designated Marine Area Plan (DMAP), which, when published in 2027, will provide for a plan and pipeline of offshore projects across Ireland's entire maritime area.

Significant progress across Ireland’s ports: Port of Cork's redevelopment is on track to be ORE-ready in 2026.

Completion of Ireland's offshore wind industrial strategy 'Powering Prosperity', including the appointment of a project management team to lead an 'Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence', which has since been launched as Propel Ireland.

Implementation of the Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan, including the launch of ORE courses and the announcement of the development of an offshore wind skills hub.

Progress was supported by the ongoing attention to and prioritisation of ORE by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), including a draft competitive Maritime Area Consent (MAC) framework.

Speaking at the launch of the Offshore Wind Energy Programme Annual Report, Minister O’Brien said: “The recent volatility in international fossil fuel prices and supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East underlines the importance of developing our own renewable energy – especially offshore wind, of which Ireland has an abundance.

“Our unique offshore wind resource means there is sizable international interest in investing in our offshore energy development, as was proven by the state’s second offshore auction, which attracted strong international interest in recent months at a time when other auctions internationally were failing.

“The undeniable success of the Tonn Nua auction is a testament to the Irish government's ongoing commitment to the ORE sector and providing a stable policy environment to invest in.”