Why offshore wind is critical to the Irish economy

Thomas Mc Hugh of Cork Chamber on the competitive international seascape the potential for Ireland to set itself apart

6.3GW of domestic offshore wind by 2030 would support approximately 12,000 direct and indirect jobs. File Picture: iStock

The development of large-scale renewable energy generation is critical to Ireland’s competitiveness, climate credentials and international reputation as a progressive state.

There is huge potential for Ireland. A resource assessment of the Celtic Sea outlined in the Cork Harbour Ready to Float – Offshore Wind 2025 report shows the potential for the development of up to 50GW of floating offshore wind capacity. This equals 11% of the European Union’s required offshore wind energy target to achieve decarbonization of our energy systems by 2050.