Tag: ireland

Offshore wind policy consultation starts in Ireland

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Ireland has commenced consultation on its new framework surrounding offshore wind energy under its Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communication (DECC).

The Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy (Future Framework for short) presents Ireland’s long-term blueprint for the growth of offshore renewable energy. It will establish the pathway to 20 GW of offshore wind energy by 2040 and 37 GW a decade later.

Ireland targets 5 GW of offshore wind energy by the end of the decade with 2 GW allocated to green hydrogen production.

The Future Framework will encourage investments and maximize financial gains from offshore wind projects. It also considers the potential for transforming excess renewable energy into alternative energy products that can be exported. It will also encourage “collaboration between the State, industry and local communities”, according to Environment, Climate, and Communications Minister Eamon Ryan.

This consultation will allow key stakeholders to give input and collect feedback for the final version of the framework. The final version of the Future Framework will be published in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment in the spring after approval by the government.

Energia, Vargronn JV to develop 1.8 GW Irish offshore wind capacity

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Ireland stands to gain up to 1.8 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, thanks to the partnership between Energia Renewables and Vargronn, as reported by ReNews.

Vargronn is a partnership between Plenitude (Eni) and HitecVision. The JV will initially focus development on the southern and eastern Irish coasts. Energia is already active in these areas, with sites in the North Celtic Sea (900 MW) and South Irish Sea (900 MW).

Seabed surveys of the selected area have been completed, with detailed preparations for EIAs kicked off. The JV is also engaging with the local fishing industry and communities.

Depending on governmental policy, the projects in these areas could be operational by 2030.

Energia Group chief executive Ian Thom commented, “We look forward to working closely with Vargronn and to combining our experience of developing renewable energy projects in Ireland with Vargronn’s extensive offshore wind expertise and supply chain relationships. “Through the development work completed to date, our partnership is uniquely placed to deliver new offshore capacity on the south and east coasts by 2030, and in so doing, make a significant contribution to Ireland’s offshore wind targets.”