A consultation on Ireland’s long term plan for offshore renewable energy (ORE) has been welcomed by Minister for Environment and Climate Eamon Ryan.
The consultation is on the “Future Framework” policy statement, described as a long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in Ireland.
The framework includes 21 key actions and “sets out the pathway Ireland will take to deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37GW in total by 2050”, Ryan says.
It also looks beyond 2030 targets to secure 5GW of offshore wind and 2GW earmarked for the production of green hydrogen, Ryan’s department has said.
"Deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37GW in total by 2050”
Several key reports have also been published, including a strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessment of the ORE “Future Framework” policy statement, and an economic market analysis on the viability of ORE targets and potential export opportunities.
The policy statement is “built on an analysis of economic opportunities to encourage investment and maximise the financial and economic return of offshore renewable energy to the State and local communities”, the department says.
“It also explores the potential to export excess renewable energy through increased interconnection, and analyses opportunities for using excess renewable energy for alternative energy products and services that can be fed into international markets. This includes renewable hydrogen and chemicals such as ammonia or methanol, which can be used instead of carbon-intense fuels in the aviation and maritime industries,” it says.
A final version of the ORE “Future Framework” will be approved by the government and co-published with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind in the Spring.
Information on how to make a submission to the consultation is available here.
The accompanying reports can be viewed here.