Ireland Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs

Building Our Potential – Ireland Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs was produced for Green Tech Skill Net

Ireland’s offshore wind industry is set to undergo a major transformation, with ambitious targets to install 5 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, and 37 GW by 2050. This goal forms a key part of the national objective to generate 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Current installed capacity stands at approximately 30 MW, but with a large area of suitable seabed there is potential for significant growth. The capacity target of 37 GW by 2050 has the potential to add at least €38 billion to the Irish economy over the lifetime of all installed wind farms. While showcasing Ireland’s commitment to sustainable energy, achieving these targets presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially given the absence of a large oil and gas industry for meet offshore wind skills and talent needs.

Building Our Potential – Ireland Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs establishes an annual offshore wind deployment projection in Ireland up to 2050. This forecast, based on Government targets, differentiates between fixed and floating  technologies, acknowledging their distinct supply chain and skills implications. Our methodology also includes an in-depth supply chain analysis of the offshore wind activities likely to be conducted in Ireland. We assess key metrics such as Irish track record in offshore wind, Irish capabilities in similar sectors, benefits of local supply, current skills availability, investment risks, and the size of opportunity.