Wind Energy Ireland has presented its new Offshore Wind Action Plan 2026, an ambitious roadmap aimed at accelerating the development of offshore wind energy in Ireland as a pathway to achieving national energy independence.

The plan was launched before more than 400 delegates at the Annual Offshore Wind Conference, held at the Clayton Burlington Hotel in Dublin, amid rising energy costs for households and businesses driven by continued reliance on imported fossil fuels.

According to the organisation, the recent crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of energy systems dependent on imports, strengthening the case for greater self-sufficiency.

Electricity prices among the highest in Europe

The report also highlights findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), which confirm that Ireland has the highest electricity prices in Europe due to its dependence on imported gas.

The analysis also points to countries such as Spain, which after the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reduced their gas dependency more rapidly and saw prices fall more quickly.

18 actions to accelerate offshore wind

Wind Energy Ireland’s plan identifies 18 priority measures for the next 12 months. Key actions include:

• Support for An Coimisiún Pleanála to accelerate offshore wind planning decisions, including the delivery of a first decision expected in September.
• Completion of grid connection agreements between the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities), EirGrid and the industry.
• Clear definition of Ireland’s future offshore wind pipeline and project availability.
• Publication of a National Ports Policy and potential state investment in port infrastructure.
• Development of coastal “Green Energy Parks” to attract industry and create jobs.

The plan follows recent progress, including the establishment of the Offshore Wind Clearing House led by the Taoiseach and the awarding of the Tonn Nua offshore project on the south coast.

Call for energy independence

The CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, warned that Ireland remains structurally exposed due to its reliance on international fossil fuel markets.

“As long as we depend on energy imports in a volatile market, we remain vulnerable,” he said. Cunniffe stressed that the impacts are already being felt across society, from households facing high electricity bills to sectors such as transport, agriculture and fishing.

He argued for a shift towards domestically produced renewable energy: “We can generate our own clean, affordable electricity from our vast offshore wind resources, transport it through an upgraded grid, and store it using new technologies.”

Horizon 2030: transforming the energy system

The plan envisions the first major offshore wind projects being built and connected to the grid in the early 2030s, provided there is sustained coordination across government and institutions.

The conference will also feature keynote addresses by Minister Darragh O’Brien on Day One and Minister Timmy Dooley on Day Two.

Wind Energy Ireland concludes that Ireland’s energy transition requires a coordinated effort across government, regulators, grid operators and industry, with a shared goal: national energy independence.