Ports present 'monumental challenge' to Ireland hitting offshore wind targets 

Researchers say solving the 'port conundrum' should be a national priority, and call for substantial investment in infrastructure and an expansion of the space requirement for offshore wind projects.

Ireland may not be able to meet renewable energy targets due to the ability of Irish ports to facilitate the rollout of offshore wind.

Offshore wind provides about about 3% of Europe's electricity consumption, but that falls to 0.004% when it comes to Ireland.

New research from Dublin City University's Professor James G Carton and researcher Bill Duggan says it will be a "challenge" for Ireland to reach its ambitious target of offshore wind providing almost all of the country's electricity by 2040.

Their research shows that at the moment, there is no port in the Republic of Ireland capable of deploying any offshore wind farms.

Professor Carton and Mr Duggan note the Government has taken "many positive steps to clear the obstacles to a smooth implementation of offshore wind".

Wind farms generated a record level of power here last month and activity is expected to rise further as long-awaited planning legislation is set to be introduced this year.

As it stands, the Government's plan is for fixed bottom offshore wind to be rolled out first.

However, the DCU research says there are "a few monumental challenges that have been identified; the main one being ports".

It says while everyone agrees ports are necessary to build infrastructure at sea, "knowing how ports operate matters".

"Sailing long distances, between ports or from other countries to the installation site, is an expensive and poor use of resources that will escalate the implementation costs and ultimately increase the cost of energy to the customer," it says.

The research says at least two ports are needed to deliver Ireland's 2030 targets (under the assumption that building begins by 2026.)

Port of Cork 'deserves consideration'. Picture: Larry Cummins

Professor Carton and Mr Duggan say while Rosslare Europort is "actively progressing" with developing its capabilities, there are other areas that "deserve consideration" — including Cork.

They note: "Dublin Port, because of its space constraints is not being considered as a potential site. The potential for Bremore Port project, from the Drogheda Port Company, brings a lot to the table.

"Foynes on the west and Cork in the south deserve consideration — Foynes for future floating infrastructure while Cork as a second fixed bottom for the east and south coast, with options to move to floating in the future."

The duo say Ireland "cannot depend on other countries to provide a solution to our own port shortfall".

They say solving the "port conundrum" should be a national priority, and call for substantial investment in infrastructure and an expansion of the space requirement for offshore wind projects.

However, they warn under the existing model of Irish ports, which have an inability to draw on State funding, this plan would be "practically unattainable".

They estimate if Ireland does most of the main offshore wind activities in its own ports, about €2bn-3bn would be required, with only four to five ports capable of delivering the rollout.

It concludes: "Solutions are not easy but what is certain is that without ports in Ireland, to facilitate the ability to rollout, the offshore renewable energy projects will not happen smoothly. 

"Ireland must deliver on its commitments and maximise the return to its people for many years to come."