In Ireland, Phase 2 development of offshore renewable
energy is to take place off the South-East Coast. Unlike Phase 1,
Phase 2 is plan-led: the transmission system operator, EirGrid,
will develop grid assets to connect projects on State selected
sites.
In October 2024, some key building blocks for Phase 2 have been
put in place. They include Government approval of the South-Coast
Designated Maritime Area Plan and a Decision on Grid Connection
Policy.
South-Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan
("SC-DMAP")
The Oireachtas has approved the SC-DMAP, which is available at
the link here.
The SC-DMAP identifies four proposed maritime areas off the
South Coast within which fixed offshore wind farms may be located.
Area A, Tonn Nua, is the site to be developed by the successful
bidder in the next public subsidy auction, ORESS 2.1, expected to
begin in Q1 2025. Draft terms and conditions for ORESS 2.1 are
available here.
