Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 June 2026
23. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether Ireland has a current national strategy for the development of wave energy, if he will outline any targets for its deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland does not currently have a specific strategy for the development of wave energy, although as an emerging ORE (Offshore Renewable Energy) technology there are numerous other Government policies, including the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy, that include actions relating to wave energy.
Wave energy devices are still at a relatively nascent stage of commercial development and have not yet been demonstrated at scale. There are various devices that are being tested across the world but none are at a stage where they can compete in terms of affordability with more established technologies like fixed offshore wind.
The focus for Government in the near-term is to deliver the Phase One and Phase Two fixed offshore wind projects which will provide increased energy security for Ireland and help us to achieve the ambitious targets that have been set for renewable energy deployment. While there is an acknowledgement that other technologies, including wave energy, floating offshore wind, and tidal energy, may need to form a part of our energy future, the near-term focus for these technologies is on Research, Development and Demonstration. My Department will continue to support work in this area, including through funding of research grants through the SEAI and Marine Institute.
There are a number of upcoming developments that will have implications for wave energy, including the National ORE DMAP which will provide sites for development of ORE around Ireland’s coasts and will consider innovative technologies such as wave energy. As well as this, my Department is currently conducting a review of the Future Framework and will consider what supports are required for emerging ORE technologies.
