Ireland continues to bid for offshore wind projects despite the industry turmoil
Ireland will hold at least three additional offshore wind auctions before the end of the decade, said its marine minister on Thursday. He added that the country was unlikely to meet its goal of 80% electricity generation by renewable sources by 2030.
The commitment to offshore winds comes despite the vicious cycle of inflationary and interest rate pressures, and supply-chain bottlenecks that have led to auctions failing and cancelled and delayed projects all over the world.
Timmy Dooley, junior minister in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, said this on the sidelines of the wind conference held in Copenhagen.
These auctions would be in addition to Ireland’s second offshore-wind auction, which is planned for later this year. The aim is to acquire 900 MW.
Dooley stated that "we don't think there is any way back to fossil fuels... we are absolutely committed to offshore winds as the energy of the future".
The government spokeswoman said they were expecting ten bids at the auction.
Dooley stated that while Ireland would continue to work towards its goal of 5 gigawatts of combined offshore wind power by 2030, and 20 GW of combined offshore wind power by 2040, Dooley noted it would be difficult to reach the target of 80% of renewable electricity by 2030.
Dooley stated that "(but) it will be very close... we hope to have a long ways there by 2030."
In its policy program published in January, Ireland's newly re-elected Coalition Government reaffirmed its commitment to achieve 80% of Ireland’s electricity production from renewable sources by 2030.
Dooley stated that the government is removing obstacles to development through reforms in marine area planning and investments in port infrastructure.
Grid operator EirGrid showed that the country generates between 40 and 45 percent of its electricity through renewable sources. This is primarily due to over 5 GW installed onshore wind power.
Ireland only has 25 MW offshore capacity today. (Reporting and editing by Ed Osmond, Stine Jacobsen)
(source: Reuters)
