Industry welcomes new auction for offshore wind energy

The Irish wind energy industry has welcomed the announcement this morning that the Government has approved the terms and conditions for a new offshore wind energy auction to be held in 2025.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “This is a big boost for our industry and comes at a great time, with more than a thousand investors and global industry leaders coming to Ireland next week for the Wind Energy Trade Show 2024.

“The announcement clears the way for a new offshore auction to take place next year and we are very excited about the potential for Tonn Nua to drive significant green investment to coastal communities in the south-east.

“Once operational Tonn Nua will deliver enormous amounts of clean, affordable, electricity to families, businesses and industries across Ireland while cutting our carbon emissions.

“Finalisation of the terms and conditions for the auction is a major achievement by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and underlines again this Government’s commitment to offshore renewable energy.

“Our focus now needs to turn to identifying new sites, for fixed and floating wind energy, in other parts of Ireland’s maritime area to build a strong and attractive pipeline of projects.”