Enterprise Ireland hosted its fourth annual conference on offshore renewable energy
Ireland has ambitions to be a global leader in offshore renewable energy, and the Government has set ambitious targets for the sector, with the aim of delivering 37GW of offshore wind by 2050.
As we seek to transition to a zero-carbon economy, in addition to the important climate imperatives, the sector provides enormous economic opportunities for Irish firms, as we are at a pivotal moment in terms of the transition to renewable energy sources.
To highlight these opportunities, Enterprise Ireland last week hosted its fourth annual Offshore Wind Forum, with the key themes of ‘Market Opportunity, Innovation, and Collaboration’.
The opening address was delivered by Declan Hughes, secretary general at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
The Offshore Wind Forum was attended by Irish-owned businesses in renewables, as well as key industry decision-makers and leaders from the offshore wind supply chain from across Ireland and international markets.
Renewables will secure energy for the generations to come. Photo: Getty
Attendees received detailed updates from speakers on sectoral and market opportunities in Europe and the US.
They also heard from Keith Doherty of EirGrid on the Ânational grid operator’s plans to get more wind energy online, as well as the opportunities in the offshore supply chain.
A number of Irish-owned firms participated in a panel discussion focusing on ‘Lessons learned, subtleties of these markets’, moderated by Úna Brosnan of Innovative Climate Solutions and Renewable UK.
Participants included Andrea Phillips of XOCEAN; Charlotte O’Kelly of Techworks Marine; Kieran Ivers of Green Rebel; Barry Ward of Cara Offshore; and Martin Rice of Farra Marine.
​A second panel focused on the proposed Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence and the Floating Offshore Wind Demonstrator, key initiatives in Ireland’s offshore wind strategy. And this discussion explored how these two key projects can be developed to ensure we become a key player in the global offshore industry.
Moderated by Georgina Foley of EI, it included contributions from Alan Duncan of Scotia Supply Chain; Jack McDermott from DETE; Dan Finch of Ocean Winds; and Jason Paterson, innovation manager at the Net Zero Technology Centre in Aberdeen.
Collaborative efforts and innovative solutions are required throughout the sector, and delegates had the opportunity to learn through the ‘Funding Innovation Projects’ section, which featured presentations on funding for R&D and innovation, plus speakers from companies who have utilised some of these funds to deliver innovative products and services.
It included representatives from Enterprise Ireland, SEAI, Subsea Micropiles, Dublin Offshore and MMG Ocean.
Enterprise Ireland previously launched the Gael Offshore Network at this event in 2022. The cluster formed in recognition of economic opportunities available to Irish firms in the offshore wind sector, as well as the climate imperatives to move to renewables.
Since its formation, many of the Gael Offshore Network member companies have benefitted from association with the cluster, securing business and contracts in the offshore wind market from adjacent industries.
​Liam Curran is a senior technologist with Enterprise Ireland