Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
249. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the commitment in the Programme for Government to “Ensure a policy is put in place to streamline repowering and life extension of existing onshore wind farms that are nearing end of life”; when he anticipates this policy will be published; the work being done to develop said policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15031/25]
View answerIreland is a world leader in onshore wind and the continued operation of Ireland's fleet of onshore wind farms is critical to ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply to 2030 and beyond. Repowering of existing wind farms has the potential to deliver an increase in generation capacity, usually by replacing older, less efficient turbines with newer models with higher capacities, with limited additional environmental impact.
Continued operation of existing renewable energy generation, as well as repowering, will be critical to underpin the delivery of Ireland's 80% renewable electricity target, to ensure that emissions reductions are delivered at least cost to households and businesses and security of electricity supply is maintained. The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland’s Future highlights the role that repowering and the extension of life of existing wind farms can play in achieving our ambitious target of 9 GW of onshore wind by 2030.
The Renewable Energy Directive requires Member States to introduce accelerated and simplified permitting procedures for the repowering of renewable energy projects. Planning matters fall under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the decision to repower individual projects is a matter for developers.
Through the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, my Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on a range of policy measures, including repowering and life extensions of existing renewable electricity projects, to ensure that there is a supportive policy framework in place that facilitates the accelerated deployment of onshore wind and solar farm developments and supports a streamlined process for repowering of renewable electricity generation projects.
