New initiative aims to connect developers, SMEs and researchers as Government seeks to position Ireland as a major player in global offshore wind markets.
Enterprise Ireland has launched a new innovation centre intended to accelerate the development of Ireland’s offshore wind industry and strengthen the country’s emerging supply chain.
The centre, named Propel Ireland, forms part of the Government’s Powering Prosperity industrial strategy and is designed to create closer links between developers, small and medium-sized enterprises, researchers and officials working on offshore wind.
“Offshore wind presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to build a new, globally competitive sector”
The agency said the initiative would help Irish companies prepare for what is expected to be one of the country’s most significant industrial opportunities over the coming decades.
Collaboration is in the air
Ireland is targeting up to 37 GW of offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050. Officials view the sector as central to national energy security and future economic growth, as well as a catalyst for enterprise development and export-led expansion.
Propel Ireland will focus on enabling companies to work together on shared technical and commercial problems, supporting later-stage technologies that are close to market, and helping businesses develop the capability needed to compete both domestically and overseas. Enterprise Ireland said the initiative would also provide a platform for more effective collaboration between Government departments, industry and the research community.
Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said developing a strong offshore wind industry is a key priority for Government, supporting enterprise growth, innovation and job creation.
“Propel Ireland will play an important role in strengthening Ireland’s supply chain and supporting companies to seize the opportunities in this rapidly growing global sector.”
Timmy Dooley, Minister at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, said offshore wind would be central to meeting Ireland’s long-term climate and energy ambitions. He described initiatives such as Propel Ireland as “important in supporting innovation, building capability and ensuring we maximise the economic benefits of the transition to renewable energy.”
Marian Harkin, Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, highlighted the need for closer cooperation between researchers, industry and Government as Ireland enters a new phase of offshore wind development. She said the centre would support “the knowledge, skills and research capability” required to underpin the sector’s growth.
Jenny Melia, chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, said offshore wind presented Ireland with a significant opportunity to build a new, globally competitive sector.
“Propel Ireland will support Irish companies to collaborate, innovate and scale, enabling them to compete internationally while contributing to the development of Ireland’s offshore wind capability.”
Enterprise Ireland said it will now work with industry partners on the rollout of the initiative, aiming to ensure that Irish companies are well positioned to secure contracts and participate in supply chains for both domestic and international offshore wind projects.
Top image: Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland; Minister Timmy Dooley, TD; Minister Peter Burke, TD; and Minister Marian Harkin, TD. Photo: Shane O’Neill, Coalesce
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