The lack of a sufficient “talent pipeline” for the transition to renewable energy presents considerable challenges for Ireland, according to Eirgrid.
EirGrid,which is the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, says it discussed this issue in a recent meeting with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) at their Ringaskiddy campus.
The meeting was held to “discuss upskilling needs for its role in connecting offshore wind energy to the grid and its ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including fishing and coastal communities”, Eirgrid says.
EirGrid is responsible for leading Ireland's transition to a low-carbon future to ensure that 80% of electricity can come from renewables by 2030, as set out by the Government.
As part of this, EirGrid has been tasked by the Government to deliver a plan-led approach for connecting offshore wind to the electricity grid, including the delivery of grid transmission infrastructure to connect offshore renewable energy resources to points on the south coast.
“Meeting Ireland's offshore wind energy targets is essential in reducing carbon emissions, cutting electricity bills, and creating hundreds of jobs for Cork and further along the south coast,” Eirgrid says.
The NMCI, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October, is responsible for ensuring that 5,000 students graduate annually.
NMCI degrees range from maritime engineering and nautical science, marine electrotechnology and supply chain management, to numerous professional short courses in a diverse range of subjects relating to the maritime sector.
Speaking about the visit, Jim O’Byrne, NMCI Head of Services, said that “developing skills and micro credentials specific to offshore has become one of the top priorities at the NMCI”.
“Additionally, the wider faculties at Munster Technological University are exploring other courses in the renewable energy sector,”he said.
“The NMCI is the only dedicated national centre of excellence for the delivery of maritime education and training to meet the current and future needs of Ireland – we must now rise to the challenge in preparing for our offshore energy future,”he said.
“Not only will this help reduce our carbon emissions, but in time it will bring greater energy security for Ireland. We need to have the labour market to support these ambitions,”he said.
Highlighting the need for skilled professionals for all stages of offshore projects, Eirgrid’s chief infrastructure officer Michael Mahon said that “there is an urgent need for roles in areas such as planning, ecology, marine biology, legal, financial and project management personnel, as well as those in energy engineering, and construction sectors”.
“These roles are all vitally important in ensuring that developers have the people they need to deliver projects,”he said.
“We continue to work with Government to further offshore opportunities for Ireland, including the upskilling of our own staff and supporting the education and reskilling of others interested in careers in renewable energy, be they students or those looking to change career," he said.
“Transferrable skills from other industries and disciplines should be a key focus. Ireland has a world leading education sector, which will be a distinct advantage for us,”Mahon said.
