Wind energy – floating wind
Floating wind energy can transform Ireland into a ‘European renewable energy superpower’ if the right policies are pursued to enable industry to start building floating wind farms in the coming decade, according to Wind Energy Ireland (WEI).
This is the central finding of its report published on Friday which sets out how floating wind farms can make Ireland a world leader in producing renewable energy and fighting climate change – provided the Government facilitates key moves by 2025. This includes having the first dedicated floating wind auction and strategic investment to ensure ports are ready to build and maintain floating wind farms.
The programme for government contains a target for 5,000MW of offshore wind energy by 2030 and, in the long-term, 30,000MW.
While most of the 2030 target will be delivered through existing fixed-bottom turbine technology, a proactive approach from Government is needed to ensure floating wind turbines are in the water before the end of the decade.
“This would unlock our floating wind potential and kickstart an entirely new industrial sector for Ireland,” predicts WEI chief executive Noel Cunniffe.