Wind Energy Ireland reiterates concern about planning backlogs
Currently By Offshore The Wind 2040 Around 20 Targets (gw) State Operating Capacity Of Gigawatt
Renewable energy industry body reiterated concern about planning backlogs as six offshore wind developments are set to begin the process this summer.
The development of offshore wind projects has been mired by backlogs in the planning system which is set to come under further pressure as the first new offshore wind farms for a generation will begin the process before the end of June.
“We are still worried that An Bord Pleanála, the National Parks & Wildlife Services and key environmental stakeholders are not ready for the six offshore wind energy planning applications which will be on their desks shortly,” said Wind Energy Ireland chief executive Noel Cunniffe.
He added that the planning system needs to be adequate resources and skilled staff to “get these projects delivered by the end of the decade.” Mr Cunniffe maintains some optimism as well as caution though as he said the “planning system is being reformed” and the electricity grid “is being strengthened.” Mr Cunniffe made his comments ahead of the two day Annual Offshore Conference, where his organisation also called for concrete plans for the development of floating wind energy in Ireland’s deeper waters.
In the meantime, stakeholders in Ireland’s wind sector have their eyes firmly set on the detail underpinning the upcoming second auction for offshore wind energy generation projects.
The auction is set to take place towards the end of 2024.
The State currently targets around 20 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity operating by 2040.
Elsewhere in the energy sector, Bord na Móna announced Amazon Web Services (AWS) will become the first business to join its Eco Energy Park in the Midlands, subject to regulatory and planning consent.
The Eco Energy Park is set to deliver wind and solar power to support grid stability when required, as well as developing new electricity grid connections.