Ireland's ambition to become a global leader in offshore renewable energy is progressing steadily, according to the Powering Prosperity Implementation Progress Report published by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke.

The report, covering developments up to April 2025, showcases significant milestones in the country's pursuit of at least 37GW of offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050. This abundant green energy supply is projected to stimulate clean, sustainable growth in energy-intensive industries, alongside substantial economic growth and job creation opportunities.

Launched in March 2024 by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Powering Prosperity – Ireland's Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy aims to maximise the economic benefits of Ireland's Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) supply chain and align with national renewable energy targets. Over the past year, the report indicates considerable progress, with 38 of the 40 outlined actions either completed or currently underway.

The Implementation Progress Report was unveiled at WindEurope in Copenhagen, a major annual event for the wind energy sector attracting around 16,000 delegates. The report detailed progress on Powering Prosperity actions, including the provision of long-term funding options to support the growth of Irish offshore wind supply chain companies. Notably, two significant projects have received funding packages exceeding €1 million and €2 million respectively.

The report also highlighted the advancement of the Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence (OWCE), with initial funding secured and a steering group established to drive the project forward. Furthermore, an annual joint offshore renewable energy event with Scotland has been established, with the inaugural event, "Advancing the Offshore Wind Opportunity: Bridging Irish and Scottish Perspectives," held in Dublin and Cork in June 2024. Another key initiative was the Offshore RD&I Showcase and Access to Finance Event, which promoted research, development, and innovation opportunities for organisations within the offshore wind supply chain.

-- Advertisement --

Minister Burke emphasised the significant progress and ongoing efforts to realise Ireland's offshore wind ambitions: "Powering Prosperity's first Implementation Progress Report is a strong signal of the momentum that is gathering behind Ireland's offshore wind sector. Considerable progress has been made over the last year in Irish offshore wind, and our strong enterprise base in this sector is continuing to grow. It is vital that this work continues at pace across Government to ensure that we are well positioned to capture the full economic, environmental and regional development benefits offered by this significant opportunity, and that we overcome any remaining challenges that might impede our continued progress. This Government will continue to work alongside industry and the research community towards our shared goal of a successful, resilient Irish offshore wind sector."

Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien underscored the collaborative approach required: "Developing an offshore wind sector requires an all-of-Government approach and a whole-of-economy mobilisation. By implementing an offshore wind industrial strategy, our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are ensuring that Ireland will be in strong position to build a successful and resilient supply chain for offshore wind. Ahead of expected growth in the offshore sector in the coming years, it's vital that expertise in areas such as research and development extend to the offshore wind sector, so we can take advantage of Ireland's offshore wind potential. It's clear that the implementation of actions in this progress report, along with the implementation of actions from the ‘Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy Policy', published by my own department last year, will help Ireland deliver its ambitious long-term targets for offshore wind."

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, highlighted Ireland's existing strengths in onshore wind and grid integration, noting significant recent milestones in the offshore sector, including the publication of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan and the agreed terms for the second offshore wind auction later this year. He also announced the upcoming publication of a ‘Roadmap for Future Designated Maritime Area Plans’ to provide further certainty to the offshore renewable sector.

Work is ongoing to implement the remaining actions outlined in Powering Prosperity by the end of the current year.

For more information and to access the report visit Powering Prosperity – Ireland's Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy Implementation Progress Report