Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
36. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications the number of offshore wind turbines currently in operation; the number constructed in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62266/21]
View answer37. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment; Climate and Communications the proportion of electricity produced nationally by offshore wind turbines in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; the amount of electricity produced nationally in each of the years 2001 to 2020 and to date in 2021 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62267/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
There is currently only one offshore wind farm operating in Ireland, Arklow Bank, which has been operational since 2003. This wind farm consists of seven turbines and has an installed capacity of 25.2 MW.
The SEAI reports annually on total electricity generated and electricity generated by wind in its Energy in Ireland publication, the latest edition available here:
www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-statistics/key-publications/energy-in-ireland/
As the contribution of offshore wind is currently relatively small, it is reported together with the onshore wind figure. The total installed wind capacity in Ireland was 4,307 MW at end-2020. Offshore wind capacity therefore accounts for approximately 0.6% of total installed wind capacity currently.
