Norwegian state-owned renewable energy giant Statkraft has unveiled ambitious plans to deploy 3,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy projects in Ireland by 2030, a significant step towards the country's '80 by 30′ targets.
Kevin O'Donovan, Managing Director of Statkraft Ireland, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, “Since Statkraft first entered the Irish market in 2018, we've been making huge strides to ensure that our projects make an important contribution to the ‘80 by 30' targets set by the Government. Our work continues apace, and the plans we've unveiled today demonstrate our determination to make a real difference to Ireland's climate and energy security.”
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The comprehensive roadmap includes 1,500MW from recently completed or ongoing construction projects, an additional 330MW secured through the Renewable Electricity Supply Scheme (RESS) or Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA), and 500MW earmarked for the North Irish Sea Array (NISA) offshore wind project. The NISA project is proposed for the coastal regions of Dublin, Louth, and Meath.
Statkraft also highlighted 400MW of wind and solar projects with full planning permission, set to enter the market this year. The company has grid services projects with planning permission, seeking routes to market in the current year.
Furthermore, Statkraft disclosed plans for over 375MW of wind and solar projects currently under review by An Bord Pleanala. The company has secured adequate land for a robust project pipeline, aiming to submit between 200MW and 250MW for planning permission annually over the next three to four years.
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The announcement precedes O'Donovan's keynote address at the Wind Energy Ireland conference, where Statkraft aims to showcase its dedication to advancing Ireland's renewable energy landscape. O'Donovan added, “We've always said that there's no silver bullet to reducing emissions from the energy sector. Ireland's energy future needs will be powered by a range of renewable technologies working in harmony, so we're proud to be one of the country's first renewable energy companies to have a fully integrated approach to clean energy production.”
