Abstract
Ireland has significant potential for the development of offshore renewable energy, including wind, wave and tidal energy that can aid in the delivery of our long-term climate goals. The key reasons for sustainably developing Ireland’s considerable offshore resources are threefold:
1. Decarbonising the Irish economy in line with legally binding national and international climate ambitions;
2. Ensuring long-term energy security; and
3. Developing green industrial opportunities for energy utilisation and for export markets.
Ambitious targets have been set for the delivery of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone: 20GW by 2040; and at least 37GW in total by 20501, 2. Deploying ORE at this scale in Ireland will result in a significant increase in revenue to the State as well as both direct and indirect job opportunities. There are also enormous potential benefits to the State through the delivery of a new ORE industrial base which will add employment and investment opportunities to communities across the country.