Government Industry Forum on Offshore Renewable Energy

The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, today convened a Government Industry Forum on Offshore Renewable Energy.

The aim of the forum was to allow representatives from the public and private sector central to the development of a successful offshore wind sector to meet with key members of Government.

The event in Government Buildings provided an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and challenges ahead. It also provided an opportunity to discuss how Government can add to existing efforts to successfully deliver offshore renewable energy at the scale and pace required.

In addition to the Taoiseach and Minister O’Brien, the event was attended by Minister of State Timmy Dooley, industry representatives and officials from relevant government departments, agencies and regulatory bodies.

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

"Ireland’s large maritime area and proximity to European and UK energy markets means we have enormous potential for offshore renewable energy. Ultimately, our shared aim is to replace the use of fossil fuels with clean renewable energy, harnessed from our own abundant resources.

“The offshore wind sector will provide new jobs, new economic and social opportunities and a more resilient, secure and sustainable energy system for future generations.

“We have made real progress in recent years, but we know that many challenges remain. We must acknowledge them honestly and work together to expedite the development of a sector that will be central to Ireland’s economic and energy future.

“Today’s event is a key part of our efforts to engage with and support the private and public sector voices that are crucial to delivering offshore wind projects.”

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, added:

‘‘The delivery of offshore renewable energy is a key priority for this government. The work of the all-of-government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce has been critical to establishing momentum and driving delivery in this sector, enabling the acceleration of offshore policy at significant pace. Under this year’s work programme, we will maintain our focus on the delivery and rollout offshore wind energy projects. This first-ever Taoiseach’s Forum arrives at an important time for the ORE industry in Ireland. Government just announced a transformative funding package for our onshore and offshore grid. We have five phase one projects in the planning system, with the expectation that these first projects will be in construction by 2030. Later this year, we will hold our second ORE auction, Tonn Nua, which will procure an additional 900 MW of ORE capacity. We’re moving in the right direction and must keep this momentum going.

‘‘Ireland is a key emerging market in the offshore wind energy space, with significant offshore wind ambitions. This government is committed to working with industry to tackle sector challenges collaboratively. Today’s forum represents another opportunity to hear views from both public and private sector bodies and I look forward to continued discussions with many of the stakeholders at today’s event.’’

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Marine Environment, Timmy Dooley said:

“Ireland is already a wind energy success story in onshore wind generation, with wind now accounting for over 35% of electricity generation annually. With Ireland’s natural advantage of abundant wind resources, there is enormous potential to develop our offshore wind industry to also be a global success.

“Working together across government and engaging with industry at events like today’s Government Industry Forum will ensure this potential is realised. Together, we can deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy to our homes and businesses.

“In May, the government announced a National Designated Maritime Area Plan to accelerate a national roll-out of offshore renewable energy. The goal is for the delivery of 20GW of offshore renewable energy by 2040.

“This national plan will enable us to forward plan, and to develop our ports and infrastructure, creating tens of thousands of new green jobs for many communities across the State. Ongoing engagement and collaboration with industry will be crucial to realising our offshore renewable energy ambitions now and in the future.”