Fast track for projects is a major step forward for offshore wind energy

The projects were identified by Ministers Richard Bruton TD and Damien English TD this morning in a joint press release and the decision represents a critical step forward in the development of Ireland’s offshore wind energy industry.

Under the Government’s Climate Action Plan 3.5 GW of offshore wind energy is to be connected to the system by 2030, which will help achieve Ireland’s target to source 70 per cent of our electricity from renewables by 2030.

Dr David Connolly, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association, said: “Today’s announcement will energise Ireland’s offshore wind industry and puts us on the path to achieving our 2030 targets for offshore wind.

“Ireland has some of the best offshore wind resources in the world and when completed these projects will deliver enormous cuts in our CO2 emissions.

“But we cannot afford to lose any more time. EirGrid and An Bord Pleanála must start working with these projects as soon as possible to identify how they will connect to the transmission system and to ensure we have the resources in place to process their planning applications as quickly as possible.”