EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to deepen cooperation and collaboration relating to the development of Ireland’s offshore wind sector.
The MoU, which was signed at the Wind Europe annual conference in Copenhagen, will see the groups focus on attracting inwards investment, improving opportunities for companies in the offshore wind sector, improving training in the area of public procurement tendering, and expanding the supply chain.
Energy transition
“The development of renewables in the Irish maritime area is critical for achieving our energy transition and boosting energy security,” commented Michael Mahon, chief infrastructure officer at EirGrid. “This memorandum of understanding shows the critical need to expand and deepen our collaboration for the benefit of Ireland and our sustainable energy future.”
The groups said that this action is in line with the Irish government’s aim of connecting at least 5 GW of offshore wind power to the country’s electricity grid, part of its commitment to meet 80% of Ireland’s annual electricity consumption with renewable energy.
Ireland has set a target of achieving 37 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2050.
‘Important development opportunities’
“The signing of the MoU between the three agencies represents important development opportunities for Ireland’s home-grown offshore wind sector, including the Enterprise Ireland supported Gael Offshore Network, Ireland’s supply chain for the global offshore wind industry,” added Mark Christal, divisional manager, Food & Sustainability, Enterprise Ireland.
He added that the MoU will reinforce existing supports for Irish companies with “expertise in areas including civil and marine engineering, geotechnical/geophysical capability, materials handling, environmental surveys and data collection, along with an innovative expertise in digital for offshore and associated cybersecurity. The expertise within Irish companies will be key to delivering Ireland’s offshore wind and sustainability ambitions.”
Elsewhere, Matt Kennedy of IDA Ireland highlighted how the partnership would accelerate the deployment of offshore wind, noting that the MoU will “drive market interest, expand industry knowledge, and create a thriving environment for offshore wind development.” Read more here.
