IEA Submission: Second Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II)

The Irish Exporters Association expresses concerns over the Government’s proposed
Renewable Energy Development Plan II. While we support decarbonisation targets, the IEA
and our members are concerned about the long-term security of energy supply.

New Government regulations will require all future offshore windfarms to be built in “Designated
Marine Areas”, but these have yet to be identified and may not be identified for a further 18
to 24 months. This policy change seriously hinders projects underway in now non-designated
areas and will only create further obstacles for the development of an offshore wind industry
across Ireland.

Ireland has the potential to become a net exporter of renewable energy, but clarity is now
required from Government on the proposed policy on how it will support investment. It is
crucial that supports are made available to allow for innovative solutions in the development
of floating offshore wind turbine platforms.

However, the IEA is concerned that this draft plan is not flexible enough to account for the ever-developing dynamic technology environment which it is attempting to regulate.

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