The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, unveiled the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in Ireland. This comprehensive policy outlines the long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in the country.
It charts Ireland's trajectory towards achieving 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and a minimum of 37GW by 2050. The Future Framework comprises 29 key actions designed to establish Ireland's plan-led approach to offshore wind development. Grounded in an analysis of economic opportunities, the framework aims to attract investment and optimise the financial and economic benefits of offshore renewable energy for both the State and local communities. It also explores strategies for exporting excess renewable energy through enhanced interconnection and examines opportunities for utilising surplus renewable energy for alternative energy products and services to be marketed internationally.
Additionally, Minister Eamon Ryan has released the draft South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP), marking Ireland's inaugural spatial plan for renewable energy at sea. The draft plan delineates four maritime areas off the south coast earmarked for offshore renewable energy development over the next decade. Part of a plan-led approach, the draft South Coast DMAP ensures that offshore renewable energy projects will be sited only in environmentally suitable areas. It proposes the initiation of a first offshore wind project, with a capacity of approximately 900MW, in 'Tonn Nua' off the coast of County Waterford, with deployment targeted for 2030. Furthermore, the draft plan outlines plans for the development of additional offshore wind projects over the next decade in 'Lí Ban,' also off the coast of County Waterford, as well as in 'Manannán' and 'Danu,' both located off the south coast of County Wexford.
