Cathal Ryan: Power grid is key to unlocking carbon-free offshore wind and energy security          

Already promising a welcome drop in Irish energy prices in the next five years, offshore wind generation offers the Government an opportunity to develop a major indigenous industry

The terms of the first ORESS (offshore competitions under the renewable electricity support scheme) are expected imminently. File picture: Ben Birchall/PA

There has been a welcome drop in wholesale gas prices across European markets in recent weeks, which will hopefully stop utility bills rising further. The other pressing issue for Ireland is how best to tap renewables to end the dependence on international energy markets.

Historically, using the natural resources involved drilling or digging for fossil fuels and using a vast network of terminals, pipes, ships, trains, and trucks to transport the fuel.