SuperNode is thrilled to welcome the news of Ireland’s first ever offshore wind auction. The provisional results are a huge milestone for renewable energy and a significant step towards achieving the Government’s target of 5 GW of offshore wind energy for connection to the grid by the end of 2030.
Philip McCann, SuperNode Communications Officer, remarked on the significance of the auction: “SuperNode recognises this first offshore wind auction as a pivotal milestone on the journey to Irish 2030 renewable targets and ultimately a decarbonised Ireland. It is crucial that we start planning not only for 2030 but also for future grid integration towards 2050 and full decarbonisation. While offshore wind can deliver competitive energy for Irish industry and families, without anticipatory investments in new, innovative grid technology, we will not reap the full benefits of our offshore resource”.
Four projects were successful in today’s auction, with a total of 3.1 GW of capacity. These include the North Irish Sea Array and Dublin Array off the coast of Dublin, Codling Wind Park off the coast of Wicklow, and Sceirde Rocks off the coast of Galway. The average price, at €86.05 per megawatt-hour (MW/h), is significantly lower than some had predicted, which is great news for Irish electricity consumers.
SuperNode founder and Chair Eddie O’Connor built Ireland’s first and only offshore wind farm in Arklow Banks in 2004, and SuperNode is excited to see Ireland embrace the potential of offshore wind energy. This week’s announcement of plans for an industrial strategy for offshore wind energy by Minister Simon Coveney highlights the government’s commitment to renewables and the economic opportunity they offer.
SuperNode is proud to be at the forefront of developing ground-breaking superconductor technology for long-range power transmission, which will play a vital role in enabling the future of renewable energy.