EirGrid named Ireland's offshore transmission system operator

By: Tom Russell

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13/05/2021 EirGrid Group

EirGrid Group, which currently operates and plans the electricity grid, will be appointed as the Transmission System Operator and the Transmission Asset Owner for Offshore Grid Assets in the Republic of Ireland.

The planning and development of the offshore grid assets will enable the operation of offshore wind farms. Exploiting wind resources off the coast of Ireland, the Irish government aims to reach 70% renewable energy on its electricity system by 2030.

"EirGrid is pleased that the Minister and the Government have put their confidence in us to lead on a matter of such strategic long-term importance for Ireland," said Chairman of EirGrid, Brendan Tuohy. “EirGrid Group is committed to playing its part in the decarbonisation of society."

Tuohy added: “With Ireland’s significant offshore renewable energy potential, EirGrid is honoured to be tasked by Government to become the Transmission System Operator and the Transmission Asset Owner for Offshore Grid Assets.These will be essential elements to enable decarbonisation and EirGrid is fully committed to delivering on what is required.”

Speaking about the announcement EirGrid Chief Executive, Mark Foley said: “This is a significant development for the energy industry and at EirGrid we are pleased that the Minister and the Government have put their confidence in us to lead on a matter of such strategic long-term importance for Ireland.

“EirGrid is stepping up in support of the government’s Climate Action ambitions with our on-going efforts to increase renewable energy on the grid and in how we are planning for future development and delivery.

“This is a long-term strategic opportunity for Ireland as we seek to maximise our wind resource and, in time, may enable Ireland to become a major exporter of renewable energy.”

In 2020, Ireland increased its offshore wind capacity target of 3.5 GW by 2030 to 5 GW by 2030. The first offshore wind specific auction is scheduled to open for qualification in 2021 and a roadmap including future auctions is forthcoming. Currently there is one project in operation off the coast of Ireland, the Arklow Bank Phase 1 project. A number of fixed and floating foundation projects are currently in the early phases of development.
 

For more information on offshore wind farms worldwide, click here.

About the Author

4C Offshore | Tom Russell
Tom Russell

01502 307037 Tom.Russell@4coffshore.net
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