In 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved 10 new onshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 717 MW, according to the annual report from Wind Energy Ireland (WEI). However, this figure represents only 42% of the capacity required to meet the targets of the 2030 Climate Action Plan, which sets a goal of 9,000 MW of onshore wind energy. This shortfall puts the country’s climate commitments at risk.
Despite some progress, Noel Cunniffe, CEO of WEI, highlighted the current challenges: “Irish people want clean, affordable, and secure energy. That’s what wind farms offer, but we need more of them to meet the demands of our communities and businesses.”
In parallel, the Irish Government has announced its second offshore wind energy auction, aiming to diversify renewable energy sources and accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy system.
Annual figures: insufficient progress in onshore projects
In 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved planning for 10 wind projects with a total capacity of 717 MW, well short of the 1,720 MW target for the year. Additionally, 12 projects with a combined capacity of 677 MW were rejected, while 30 others, totalling 1,598 MW, were still awaiting a decision by the end of the year. These figures underscore a planning system that, while improving, continues to face constraints.
The WEI report noted that, although overall numbers were insufficient, the fourth quarter of 2024 marked a positive turning point. During this period, five projects were approved, representing half of all permits granted throughout the year. Cunniffe attributed this progress to increased resources for planning authorities: “An Bord Pleanála deserves credit for the increase in planning decisions, but this performance needs to become the norm.”
New offshore auction: 900 MW off the Waterford coast
In November 2024, the Irish Government approved the terms and conditions for its second offshore wind energy auction under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). This auction will include the Tonn Nua (New Wave) site, a 306 square kilometre area off the coast of County Waterford, with the capacity to host 900 MW of offshore wind energy.
This will be the first auction conducted under the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC DMAP), approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024. The qualification phase is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, with bids expected in the second quarter. Analysts see this project as a pivotal step in Ireland’s strategic development of offshore renewable energy, opening up new opportunities to meet climate targets.
Strengthening the electricity grid and planning system
One of the biggest challenges for advancing wind projects is the need to strengthen the country’s electricity grid. An efficient system is essential not only for integrating new wind farms but also for ensuring reliable energy distribution. On this issue, Cunniffe remarked: “To meet the needs of our growing economy, we must implement a zero-carbon electricity system, supported by clear policies and efficient planning.”
Additionally, WEI emphasised the importance of aligning national climate policies with local County Development Plans, which would help streamline the approval process for critical projects.
Looking towards 2030: a call to action
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of achieving 9,000 MW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. However, the 2024 figures indicate that without accelerated planning processes and increased resources, this goal could remain out of reach.
Cunniffe concluded with a call for the Government to ensure planning authorities are equipped with the necessary resources and expertise: “The delivery of new onshore and offshore wind farms must be significantly accelerated to meet the needs of our economy and deliver on our climate commitments.”
With a combination of new onshore projects, offshore energy development, and a strengthened planning system, Ireland has the potential to establish itself as a leader in the energy transition. However, maintaining a sustained and agile focus in the coming years will be critical.
0 comentarios