Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, revealed the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy on Thursday, outlining ambitious plans to ramp up offshore wind capacity in the coming decades.
The framework sets a clear trajectory towards achieving 20 GW of offshore wind by 2040 and a minimum of 37 GW by 2050, positioning Ireland as a key player in the renewable energy sector.
Comprising 29 key actions, the framework outlines a comprehensive strategy to establish a long-term, plan-led approach to offshore wind development. These actions include provisions for future Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs), as well as the development of a successor support scheme to the existing Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS).
“Renewable energy projects are poised to revolutionize our economy, offering significant regional and national economic benefits while giving us more control over our energy sovereignty,” remarked Minister Ryan, emphasizing the transformative potential of offshore wind energy.
The publication of the future framework follows an extensive consultation period earlier this year and represents a pivotal milestone in Ireland's commitment to offshore wind expansion. It is a key initiative under the Offshore Wind Energy Programme, spearheaded by the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce.
In addition to the framework, another significant action includes the imminent announcement of the draft South Coast DMAP, slated for release on Friday, marking a crucial step towards strategic planning and development in the region.
“Going to our Atlantic Ocean is not something that can happen overnight. The technology needed to harness the Atlantic's enormous potential is still being developed globally. But, this strategy provides our planned, evidenced-brd approach to realizing our energy potential, and we will ensure that Ireland's West Coast is on the cutting edge of this development,” Minister Ryan affirmed.
