Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
155. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason Ireland is still behind in its offshore wind energy generated electricity in comparison with 20 years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63293/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment remains committed to the development of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity with projects in construction by 2030 and energised as soon as feasible thereafter.
Much work has been done on setting the right regulatory and policy background for the achievement of our ambitious offshore wind targets.
The Maritime Area Planning Act, which established a new framework for the planning and regulation of development and activities within Ireland's maritime area, was enacted in 2021. Subsequently, the Maritime Area Consents (MACs) for six offshore wind projects were issued in 2022. Ireland's first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, was held in May 2023. In addition, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority was established in July 2023.
Our offshore ambitions were set out in detail in our Phase Two Policy Statement published in 2023, while the Future Framework published in 2024 identified targets of 20 GW by 2040 and up to 37 GW by 2050, with a range of actions to support achievement of these targets. The initial 5 GW target has been reiterated in the Climate Action Plan 2025 and in the Programme for Government.
Five offshore wind projects are presently in development off our east coast. These include three projects with support contracts arising from our 2023 auction, and two projects pursuing a merchant route to market through corporate power purchase agreements. Collectively, the five projects account for 3.8 GW, more than half of our current peak electricity demand. The five projects are anticipating a planning determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2026. Subject to planning consent, I would anticipate that the projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational by 2031/32.
On 26 November, I was delighted to announce ESB and Orsted as the provisional winners of my Department's second offshore wind auction, the 900 MW Tonn Nua site in the South Coast DMAP. Subject to planning consent, I anticipate that this project will connect to the grid in 2033.
I am making arrangements to bring the remaining three South Coast DMAP sites to auction, which will add a further 4 GW. A further pipeline of development sites within the National DMAP will follow from 2028 onwards.
