As Ireland works towards achieving its ambitious climate goals, the South East is emerging as a key player in the country’s offshore wind energy sector. This was clearly evident at the Strategic Off-Shore wind meeting held in the Port of Waterford and organised by Waterford Chamber, with the support of Energia and Vårgrønn.
According to Kevin Doolin, President of Waterford Chamber: "2025 has the potential to be a pivotal year for offshore wind in Ireland, particularly for the South East. We stand at the brink of a transformative era, but as highlighted by today's contributors, realizing this potential requires urgent government action. Investment in port infrastructure, expansion of grid capacity, streamlined planning, and the development of a skilled workforce are critical to unlocking Ireland’s offshore wind opportunities. A clear roadmap for future auctions and a well-structured pipeline of plan-led projects—aligned with transmission grid capacity and East Coast DMAPs—are essential to attracting investment, bolstering developer confidence, and driving economic growth in the region. This is our moment to move from the periphery to the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy future. Waterford Chamber has done extensive work in terms of lobbying for offshore wind, we understand the opportunities and the far-reaching benefits it will have for our region."
Following extensive presentations from industry leaders, including Energia, Vårgrønn, Wind Energy Ireland, Waterford City & County Council, Artemus, IDA Ireland and Eastgate Engineering, among others, it was evident that ambition and expertise is bountiful in the region. The benefits to the economic development in terms of job creation and supply chain are a potential game changer, but serious challenges remain in terms of lack of investment in the Ports across the country, grid capacity, planning delays, a need for a skilled labour force and a pipeline of projects with further DMAPs to derisk offshore wind development. In the presence of several representatives from Government departments and state agencies, calls were made for these critical issues to be given urgent attention.
Peter Baillie, Managing Director at Energia Renewables spoke in the opening session saying, “We see excellent opportunities for economic growth in Waterford and believe offshore wind can act as a catalyst for powering a new model of growth in the South East. This view comes from the extensive amount of site survey work and community engagement we have completed to date. Our comprehensive understanding of the offshore environment off the South East coast is unique among those looking at the upcoming offshore wind auction and, if successful, means that we can deliver the Tonn Nua offshore windfarm in an expedited manner. Furthermore, to maximise the economic opportunity for the South East, Government must accelerate development of a credible pipeline of plan-led projects based on transmission grid connection capacity and east coast DMAPs for developers and the supply chain to maintain investor interest and grow confidence in this nascent sector in Ireland.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Bull, CEO of Vårgrønn said, “Ireland provides excellent wind conditions and great offshore wind opportunities that we are excited to explore together with our partner Energia Renewables. To drive the development of the supply chain and economic opportunities for the Irish economy, we need the government to be clear about the timeline for future auctions and engagement to facilitate investments in the ports and grid infrastructure that is required. Vårgrønn is looking forward to applying our international offshore wind expertise to deliver efficient offshore wind projects contributing to the Irish economy.”
Following the event, Kevin Doolin said: "The development of offshore wind energy projects in the South East will provide substantial opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities. From the creation of high-quality jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance to the establishment of a local supply chain, the offshore wind sector will provide a foundation for long-term economic resilience in the region. Additionally, the projects will significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping Ireland meet its renewable energy targets and play a leadership role in the global fight against climate change.
“We are excited to see companies like Energia and Vargronn leading the way, and we fully support the continued development of this sector in our region. Not only will these projects help meet Ireland’s energy needs, but they will also position the South East as a centre of excellence in the green energy transition.
"Waterford Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting the growth of offshore wind energy in the region. By collaborating with industry leaders, local businesses, and policymakers, the Chamber aims to ensure that the South East remains at the forefront of Ireland’s renewable energy revolution."
