A consultation has opened on the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Future Framework Policy Statement.

The Future Framework is the long-term model and vision for offshore renewable energy in Ireland. It sets out how Ireland will deliver 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and at least 37GW in total by 2050. Included in the Framework is 21 key actions to develop this plan-led approach to offshore wind.

The aim of this targeted consultation is to engage stakeholders and gather valuable feedback that will inform and shape a final version of the ORE Future Framework.

The ORE Future Framework will look beyond 2030 targets to secure 5GW of offshore wind and 2GW earmarked for the production of green hydrogen. Wind energy from renewable sources is at the core of Ireland and Europe's decarbonisation and economic strategies, presenting a substantial domestic electricity source with the potential to replace unpredictable, imported fossil fuels.

This policy statement is created on an analysis of economic opportunities to encourage investment and maximise the financial and economic return of offshore renewable energy to the State and local communities. It additionally examines the possibility of exporting surplus renewable energy through increased interconnection, while assessing opportunities to use excess renewable energy for the development of alternative energy products and services that can be introduced to international markets. This includes renewable hydrogen and chemicals such as ammonia or methanol, which can be used instead of carbon-intense fuels in the aviation and maritime industries.

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The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, said:

"Ireland has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will require a dramatic scaling up of indigenous renewable energy sources, wholesale electrification of domestic demand, increased electricity interconnection, and a viable renewable hydrogen industry.

"Last year was a landmark year for offshore energy in Ireland with over 3GW of capacity, which will be delivered by 2030, procured from our first offshore wind auction. Those results underscored the State’s ambitions within the offshore wind sector. The Future Framework expands that ambition further and maps out how Ireland can create a flagship offshore renewable energy sector to achieve our climate and energy targets beyond 2030, while also bolstering the security and prosperity of the State.

"The Future Framework will be delivered through collaboration between the State, industry and local communities and I strongly encourage all stakeholders to share their valuable feedback with us and play a part in shaping our energy future."

The Government will approve a final version of the Offshore Renewable Energy Future Framework. It will be co-published with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind in the spring.