Policy Statement on the Framework for Ireland’s Offshore Electricity Transmission System

Reflecting Ireland’s increased climate and energy ambition, the Programme for Government includes the objective that 5GW of offshore wind generation will be installed by 2030.

As one of a number of workstreams required to meet this objective, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) has developed a new framework and associated policy for Ireland’s future offshore electricity transmission system, which was approved by Government on 14 April 2021.

The framework will provide clarity for all stakeholders regarding the future development, operation and ownership of Ireland’s offshore electricity grid, ahead of the first of three scheduled offshore wind-specific Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) auctions that will enable Ireland to meet the 5GW target by the end of this decade. The framework provides for a phased transition from a decentralised offshore transmission system model to a centralised model over the course of this decade, with ownership of offshore transmission system assets to be assigned to EirGrid, Ireland’s existing electricity Transmission System Operator.

Establishment of the offshore transmission system policy by DECC has taken place through a set of steps provided for in the 2019 Climate Action Plan. These were to:

• establish a Working Group on a Framework for Offshore Electricity Grid
• develop an Options Paper for Offshore Grid Models
• seek a Government decision on Offshore Grid Framework

The Working Group on a Framework for the Offshore Electricity Grid was established in late 2019, with members including DECC, EirGrid, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and ESB Networks. On behalf of the group, Navigant Consultants were commissioned by EirGrid to deliver an Options Paper to examine how other EU Member States approach offshore electricity grid planning, and to consider potential models suitable for the Irish context.

The Options Paper formed the basis of a public consultation on offshore grid, hosted by DECC during June and July 2020. The consultation attracted around fifty responses, mainly from industry, but also from NGOs, communities, state bodies and individuals. The policy on Ireland’s offshore grid framework was then developed by DECC and approved by Government on 14 April 2021.