Ireland stands on the brink of a significant milestone in renewable energy, poised to achieve 5GW of installed wind capacity before the year wraps up. This exciting announcement coincides with the arrival of over a thousand delegates for the country’s second Wind Energy Trade Show, kicking off today at the RDS in Dublin. The timing couldn’t be better, coming just a week after the government unveiled plans for a new offshore wind auction set for early 2025, alongside the initiation of the first offshore projects in a generation entering the planning system.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, captures the essence of this moment perfectly. He highlights Ireland’s vast potential as a magnet for investors, thanks to its seemingly endless untapped offshore wind resources, a skilled workforce, and a solid track record in onshore wind energy. “Our first wind farm was built in 1992 at Bellacorick in Co Mayo, and today’s individual turbines are as powerful as that first Irish wind farm,” he noted. This statement underscores not just the progress made, but also the evolution of technology and expertise in the sector.
The upcoming Trade Show will not only showcase the advancements in onshore wind but will also celebrate recent strides in offshore wind energy. The government has rolled out a new national industrial strategy aimed at placing Ireland at the forefront of Europe’s energy transformation. This includes the recent approval of the first-ever Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore renewable energy, which is a game changer for the industry.
Cunniffe’s enthusiasm is palpable as he shares that in 2024, six offshore wind energy projects will apply for planning permission. This is where the rubber meets the road. Successfully navigating these projects through the planning system is not just a regulatory hurdle; it’s a national priority. It’s essential for meeting Ireland’s climate action targets by 2030 and for building a robust supply chain for future wind energy farms. Each project isn’t just a line on a map; it’s a stepping stone towards energy independence.
RWE, a key player in this narrative, continues to back the industry as the Strategic Sponsor for the trade show. Vanessa O’Connell, Project Director for RWE’s Dublin Array offshore wind energy project, expressed her excitement about the event’s potential to foster collaboration among global renewable energy stakeholders and local innovators. The emphasis on marine cluster development is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with the broader goal of maximizing offshore wind potential.
However, Cunniffe raises a critical point regarding the challenges posed by the existing electricity grid. He notes that a staggering amount of power is lost due to the grid’s inability to handle the energy output from Irish wind farms. The recent allocation of €750 million in Budget 2025 for grid infrastructure is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be accompanied by strong political backing. “We need to see political leadership, from every party, whether in Government or in opposition, campaigning for more renewable energy projects and for a stronger electricity grid,” he asserts. This is not merely a call to action; it’s a rallying cry for all stakeholders to unite in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future.
As Ireland gears up for a transformative phase in its energy landscape, the convergence of innovation, investment, and policy could very well set the stage for a renewable energy revolution. The upcoming Trade Show is more than just an event; it’s a reflection of a collective ambition to redefine the future of energy in Ireland.