18 GW of new sites for Irish offshore wind identified, but existing targets ‘in serious jeopardy’

Announcing the Future Framework 2025 Review and Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment on 27 May 2025, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien highlighted what he described as "significant milestones in Ireland’s journey towards becoming a global leader in offshore renewable energy."

According to the Offshore Wind Technical Resource Assessment, there could be an additional 3.5-18.0 GW of fixed-bottom offshore wind that could be reasonably developed around the coast of Ireland, in addition to the 8 GW of offshore wind already planned. The analysis also explores the evidence base for the development of floating offshore wind in Irish waters and a floating offshore wind demonstrator site.

Ireland already has ambitious targets for offshore wind, but as the documents were published, the Irish wind industry warned offshore wind targets “are in serious jeopardy” without decisive and immediate action from government.

The warning came with the publication of a new Offshore Wind Action Plan, developed by Wind Energy Ireland, which was launched at its annual Offshore Wind Conference. The plan set out the government priorities required to deliver on Ireland’s offshore wind potential and restore confidence in Ireland’s ability to build a competitive, sustainable and robust offshore wind industry.

While the Action Plan welcomes the progress made by government in recent years, it calls for fast action in the delivery of these policy commitments, with proper resourcing and funding to reflect the seriousness of the government’s commitment to the sector.

The document outlines a clear and practical plan for how the Irish government can support the delivery of offshore wind projects already in development and put in place a long-term framework that provides certainty and stability for future development through 24 targeted actions, split across four delivery areas.

Speaking on the launch of the Action Plan, Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe said, “This plan is about restoring confidence – at home and abroad – in Ireland’s offshore wind potential. We know what needs to be done. The industry stands ready to deliver, but it cannot do so without political urgency and whole-of-government leadership. The steps we set out today are not theoretical – they are essential.

“We are now in a decisive window. If we want offshore wind to play a central role in lowering consumer energy bills, securing Ireland’s energy independence and cutting carbon emissions, we need a clear pathway forward. That means removing barriers, resourcing delivery and creating certainty for investors. The actions laid out in the plan will derisk investment, accelerate planning and grid processes and ensure critical infrastructure such as ports and grid access are available in time.”

Speaking at the conference, Mr Cunniffe added, “The potential for offshore wind to transform Ireland’s energy system, economy and climate impact is enormous. But time is short. What we decide to do in the next 12 months will determine whether we have boats in the water constructing windfarms in 2030 and whether 2040 targets remain within reach.”