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Wind Energy Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Questions (241)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of the projected 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 as envisaged by the 2021 Climate Action Plan that will be owned by Irish semi-State companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4798/22]

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Written answers

Ireland is taking a phased approach to offshore wind deployment and participating projects and companies will be finalised through competitive auctions with some attrition expected during the process.

Following enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act in December 2021, I will have the responsibility for granting the first Maritime Area Consents (MACs) to an initial batch of offshore energy projects. The granting of MACs this year will represent a significant milestone in reaching our 2030 targets, and I recently launched a consultation on the proposed MAC assessment regime for these first projects, the ‘Relevant Projects’. A separate public consultation is also underway regarding the process for Phase Two projects to participate in subsequent offshore wind auctions which will be necessary to meet Government's 5GW target by the end of this decade.

The process to procure 5 GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030 is expected to primarily take place through competitive auctions. It is not possible to forecast either the outcome of these future competitive auctions, or the prospects of projects subsequently securing all required consents, including planning permission.

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