Ireland: Ireland has uncovered a new National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), which will outline where offshore wind projects can be developed around the country’s coastline. The plan covers fixed, floating, and demonstration projects and builds on last year’s South Coast DMAP.
The government confirmed that the first auction under the South Coast plan will take place in November, when the Tonn Nua site will be tendered with a capacity target of 900 MW. This will be Ireland’s second offshore wind auction.
The DMAP is part of the government’s strategy to deliver 20 GW of offshore wind by 2040. Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: “Having a single National DMAP for ORE in place to follow on from the Phase One projects and the South Coast DMAP for ORE published last year will provide greater certainty for our marine stakeholders and the renewables industry.”
Ireland already has five Phase One projects under development off the east coast, with a combined 3.7 GW. All have now submitted planning consent applications.
The National DMAP will undergo a stakeholder consultation in 2026 and 2027, with completion expected in 2027 before being presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval.
Industry groups have welcomed the clarity of a national plan but have warned that Ireland’s offshore wind targets are at risk without faster progress.
Source: Renewables Now
