Government may rely on multinationals to develop offshore wind projects amid grid capacity constraints

'These large energy users may not need to use the grid, they may use private wires,' said Department of Enterprise assistant secretary Gary Tobin

5,000 offshore wind jobs to be created by 2030

Department of Enterprise assistant secretary Gary Tobin indicated that the State may rely on tech multinationals to drive the development of offshore wind in the Republic, but this may make little difference to residential customers’ utility bills.

Mr Tobin acknowledged grid capacity issues in the Republic, which have added to delays in the development of offshore wind farms, but hinted that he is aware of tech firms that are looking to develop wind farms privately.