Ports eye renewable energy sector

The Irish Sea is earmarked for €21bn in the creation, installation, operation, and maintenance of offshore renewable energy projects, and Irish ports are now targeting a portion of this market.

A report by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), identified Dublin, Cork, and Foynes as having the necessary facilities, infrastructure, and hinterland that could support the development of the offshore renewable energy industry.

Based on an analysis of ports in the UK and Germany, IMDO believes there is an opportunity to create employment through the development of Irish ports for use in the renewable sector.

The British government is planning significant investment in the sector and it is hoped Ireland could benefit from spin-offs.

“Ports will play a key role in facilitating future large- scale developments and operations of ocean energy devices (wind turbines, wave energy converters and tidal turbines).

“Ports in the UK are already enjoying increased revenues and net employment gains of over several thousand as a direct result of this activity,” the report said.

However, there is concern there is no will at a governmental level to push for development of the sector.

The report said: “Port stakeholders expressed concern over the lack of co-ordination between the industry, government agencies and the ports, as well as the absence of strong leadership at national level in driving the marine renewable energy sector forward.”

Cork is one of the ports highlighted as a potential hub for the offshore marine renewable energy sector.

The port of Cork is seen as having an advantage as it has considerable experience with servicing the offshore energy sector with the oil and gas sector. More recently the port was closely involved in the development of wave energy converters.

Dublin Port’s location and its proximity to wind farms and available storage, as well as a willingness to invest in the area are amongst the advantages the Dublin Port company has.

Meanwhile, Foynes’s deep sheltered facilities and large potential land banks, good infrastructure and skills in various manufacturing and maritime industries, earned it a category A ranking.