3 minute read
Cork poised to lead Ireland’s offshore wind charge
By Catherine Sheridan, Chair of Cork Offshore Renewable Industry Forum (CORIF)
The imperative to harness our renewable resources and vast maritime area is now widely shared throughout Irish society. By geographical chance, Ireland is situated to fully capitalise on the development of offshore wind sitting on the edge of the Atlantic. With vast coastal resources and ambitious climate goals, Ireland has a golden opportunity to harness these valuable economic resources.
But what makes Cork the ideal location?
Cork boasts a unique edge. It is home to the world’s second-largest natural harbour, existing infrastructure perfect for offshore wind. It also hosts vital components for the development of a mature energy cluster including the National Maritime College of Ireland, research centres, grid access and an existing energy cluster.
Crucially, it is home to the only Irish port with planning permission to build essential structures to support the development of the sector by 2030. This positions Cork as the launchpad for Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions. While Cork shouldn’t be the only region to support offshore renewables, it has to be the first. It is the only one that can.
This has been clearly signalled by government with the publication of the first South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), Ireland’s first forward maritime spatial plan for offshore wind development that considers biodiversity and other maritime activities.
What needs to happen to get us there?
Logical sense, favourable geographical accidents and good will are not enough to deliver on this transformative industry and harness the advantages and opportunities of a fully developed offshore wind sector. To truly capitalise on this opportunity and derive the full value across the supply chain, generation and end-use through to new innovative sectors a comprehensive plan and investment is needed.
Ireland and Cork must be thinking far ahead on how we will deliver the key enablers across policy and infrastructure to achieve these obligations. While certain policy documents have sought to achieve this such as the Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework Policy and Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, there are concerns that these policies alone do not go far enough to instil investor confidence.
Detailed plans for workforce development, grid infrastructure investment and alternative routes to market, a continuous programme of regional DMAPs and consistent policy are crucial for building a largescale offshore wind sector and cementing confidence in the Irish market.
Immediate funding is also essential for critical port infrastructure in Cork Harbour. With the current planning permission expiring in 2025, delays could be catastrophic for Ireland’s offshore wind goals.
The good news?
Significant progress in offshore renewable energy will be a key USP for Cork now and into the future, attracting talent, investment and foreign direct investment. Investors and businesses are increasingly prioritising sustainability, and Cork’s energy leadership will be a major draw.
The urgency of now
The window of opportunity is closing and the time for talking is long past. Decisive action is needed now to unlock Ireland’s full wind energy potential, creating jobs and establishing itself as a leader in the clean energy transition. We are in direct competition with other countries for investment, equipment, talent and suppliers, and it is a contest we cannot win without immediate Government investment.
