Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
260. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether plans are in place for the re-powering and extension of existing wind farms in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a world leader in onshore wind and its integration with over 5GW of installed capacity. 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. Lifetime extensions of existing windfarms also has a key role to play in ensuring a secure, renewable electricity supply.
The current Programme for Government highlights the role that repowering of existing wind farms can play in achieving our ambitious target of 9GW of onshore wind in the near term.
Repowered projects are currently eligible to compete for support under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, subject to the eligibility criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.
The Renewable Energy Directive requires Member States to introduce accelerated and simplified permitting procedures for the repowering of renewable energy projects. 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 of existing renewable electricity projects, to ensure that there is a supportive policy framework in place that facilitates the accelerated deployment of renewable developments and supports a streamlined process for repowering of existing windfarm projects.
My Department engaged consultants to conduct an independent analysis on the repowering and life extension of Ireland’s current installed onshore wind energy projects. The project is currently ongoing and the final analysis will help to inform the requirement for any necessary future policy framework that supports repowering of onshore wind farms.
