Ireland is accelerating the development of its offshore renewable energy sector as geopolitical tensions and fossil fuel market volatility continue to expose Europe’s energy vulnerabilities.

Launching the Offshore Wind Energy Programme Annual Report, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien said recent disruptions linked to conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East underline the strategic importance of domestic renewable energy generation, particularly offshore wind.

“The recent volatility in international fossil fuel prices and supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East underlines the importance for developing our own renewable energy – especially offshore wind of which Ireland has an abundance,” O’Brien said.

The minister also highlighted growing international investor interest in Ireland’s offshore wind market, pointing to the success of the country’s second offshore renewable energy auction, Tonn Nua, which attracted strong participation despite weaker auction results in several international markets.

According to the report, Ireland continued to advance key offshore wind infrastructure and regulatory milestones throughout 2025. Planning applications for all five Phase One offshore projects on the East Coast have now been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Together, the projects represent a combined capacity of 3.8 GW — equivalent to more than 60% of Ireland’s current peak electricity demand.

Grid development also remained a central priority. The government said the Commission for Regulation of Utilities’ Price Review 6 framework will enable up to €18.9 billion in energy infrastructure investment between 2026 and 2030, supporting the integration of future offshore renewable generation.

State-owned grid operator EirGrid is continuing work to integrate Phase One projects into the electricity grid while preparing infrastructure for future developments under the South Coast Designated Marine Area Plan (SC-DMAP). Tonn Nua was the first of four offshore sites within the South Coast plan to proceed to developer auction.

The report further outlines progress in port infrastructure, with the redevelopment of the Port of Cork expected to make the facility offshore wind-ready by 2026. Ireland also completed its offshore wind industrial strategy, “Powering Prosperity,” alongside the launch of Propel Ireland, an Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence designed to strengthen domestic supply chain capabilities and workforce development.

Additional measures include the rollout of offshore renewable energy training programmes and the planned development of a dedicated offshore wind skills hub.

O’Brien acknowledged that challenges remain in planning, grid delivery and project execution, stressing that collaboration between government, industry and local communities will be essential to achieve Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions.

“The scale of our move away from fossil fuels is such that we need ongoing engagement and collaboration between government, industry and citizens,” he said.

Ireland has reaffirmed its near-term target of delivering 5 GW of offshore wind capacity as part of its broader clean energy transition strategy.