Ireland has reported significant progress in advancing its clean energy transition, with the publication of two government taskforce reports detailing developments across offshore and onshore renewable electricity sectors.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien on Thursday published the 2024 annual reports of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) and the Accelerating Renewable Electricity (ARE) Taskforce, outlining key achievements and future priorities.
The OWDT report highlighted the Oireachtas approval and publication of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), which enables Ireland to adopt a fully plan-led system for offshore renewable energy development. The report also noted that five Phase One offshore wind projects off the east coast submitted planning applications in 2023, positioning them to contribute significantly to the national target of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity.
Ports are also preparing for offshore construction activity. The Port of Cork has begun redevelopment works after securing funding to support the offshore wind sector. In 2025, a key OWDT priority will be managing the first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) auction within the SC-DMAP, starting with the ‘Tonn Nua’ site. The auction aims to procure 900 megawatts (MW) of capacity and deliver €7 million annually in community benefit payments.
The ARE Taskforce report detailed progress on the onshore side, including the delivery of the fourth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS-4) auction for wind energy, the launch of Phase 2 of the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), and the release of the Electricity Storage Policy Framework.
Ireland surpassed 5GW of installed wind capacity in January 2024, with wind now accounting for over 35% of annual electricity generation. Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity has reached 1.6GW. National targets include generating 80% of electricity demand from renewables by 2030 and developing 20GW of offshore renewable capacity by 2040.
“The OWDT’s progress is testament to what can be accomplished when agencies work together to deliver on an agreed, strategically aligned plan,” O’Brien said. He also noted that the ARE Taskforce has “played a crucial role in breaking down barriers to renewable energy deployment” and called for continued collaboration to address remaining challenges in planning, grid connection and project delivery.
