Wind energy targets require more workers, report says

The Renewable Energy Support Scheme 3 results were 'massively undersubscribed' and is a dark omen for the development of offshore wind projects. File picture

Offshore wind targets outlined by the Government could be worth around €38bn to the Irish economy but significant investment in training and skills development is required to achieve this by the 2050 deadline, according to a new report.

The number of Irish companies involved in offshore wind energy has grown in recent years but the number of workers employed in the industry is falling behind the number needed to get projects off the ground, suggested the report by industry representative body Wind Energy Ireland.

“Every offshore wind farm means new investment, high-quality green jobs and greater energy security,” said Noel Cunniffe, Wind Energy Ireland chief executive.

The Building our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs report identified that workers employed in other industries including marine and engineering have transferable skills that could be applied to wind energy development.

“This suggests targeted investment in upskilling and retraining could yield significant employment opportunities,” Wind Energy Ireland said.

CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB

In addition to investment and upskilling, the organisation also suggested more focus should be given to attracting workers from abroad to plug short-term skills shortages through initiatives such as relocation grants.

The development of renewable energy through wind has been met with several hurdles in recent years, especially planning permission delays.

The results of the latest auction for onshore renewable energy projects indicated Ireland is not on track to reach its 2030 climate commitments as planning delays repel developers.

The Renewable Energy Support Scheme 3 (Ress3) results, published last year by the national grid operator Eirgrid, were “massively undersubscribed” said Statkraft VP and director for Ireland wind and solar projects, Donal O’Sullivan, at the time.

This is a dark omen for the development of offshore wind projects as onshore wind farms have been in development for longer and the problems have yet to be worked out.