Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
91. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the ways his Department is supporting the development of fixed-bottom offshore wind infrastructure for power generation; his further ambitions and development timescales for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9953/23]
View answerWill the Minister comment on reports at the weekend that floating wind generation may be placed on the long finger? Many companies are worried about this. This question is about fixed-bottom offshore wind infrastructure for power generation, and the ambitions and development timescale for same.
The Minister might also address the really topical matter of the floating offshore wind turbines. There is genuine concern they are being put into a so-called phase 3, with a very long timescale. It is crucial this be addressed and clarified.
The question is on the roll-out of offshore wind turbines. Seven projects have been granted licences and are being fast-tracked under the old system. A new renewable option will be run for the next phase of projects. The projects will be will be plan led rather than developer led and concentrated in certain areas. The point of this is to speed up the development of offshore wind energy projects, which is a priority in response to the war in Ukraine. It is in line with the REPowerEU strategy, which asks member states to designate certain areas in the marine area as go-to areas where planning permission is granted more quickly with the aim of getting consents issued within 12 months. Shortly, I expect that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, will bring proposals to the Cabinet to approve this approach and we will see our first phase projects being addressed.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. There is alarm because the Department has done a U-turn on phase 2 projects. Phase 2 involves the next tranche of projects to help deliver on the climate targets for 2030. The industry was assured it would include floating offshore wind projects off the south and west coasts. These have been primed by credible developers who have committed to invest considerable resources in preparing for the opportunity. Will the Minister of State confirm the current situation? Is the Government still committed to allowing the floating offshore wind developments to go ahead, as committed to by the Minister, Deputy Ryan, or has there been a change in policy? This is extremely serious for the industry.
The designated marine area plans for the delineation of zones for the projects in question should be treated in the same way as those for bottom-fixed technology. This would ensure the areas achieve go-to area status under REPowerEU enabling instruments. I urge the Minister of State and Government to clarify this urgently because it is causing considerable confusion and a lack of confidence in what the Government is doing.
Offshore wind energy is a large part of the decarbonisation process and is absolutely critical. There has been no policy change. Floating wind turbines will be pursued off the west coast because the water is too deep to support fixed-base wind farms. Those of the east and south coasts, in shallower waters, will be progressed first but there has been no change. If anything, the pace has been accelerated. We will use the shortest consenting procedure we can legally obtain while being compliant with EU law. Offshore wind energy developments will be rolled out as fast as possible, and we will continue to liaise with the industry. I speak to offshore wind industry leaders at every opportunity when I am invited and will continue to correspond with them. Their concern is misplaced because there has been no policy change.
The issue concerns floating turbines versus fixed turbines.
We are supporting both floating and fixed turbines and there has been no policy change.
That concludes Question Time. We overran the runway.
