Ireland’s wind sector has unveiled a new five-year strategy aimed at reshaping the country’s Business Energy landscape, with ambitions to make Ireland an energy independent “electrostate” powered by domestic, renewable electricity.

Wind Energy Ireland (WEI), which represents major Irish and international energy developers, will formally launch the plan at its annual conference in Dublin. The strategy centres on accelerating large-scale wind deployment, strengthening electricity networks and expanding clean power demand across industry, transport and heat.

WEI said it will work with policymakers, communities and industry to “transform Ireland into an energy independent electrostate powered by clean, affordable, Irish energy,” while tackling persistent grid, planning and regulatory constraints that continue to delay project delivery.

The plan aligns with national targets to connect 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity to the Irish electricity system over the coming years. Momentum has already begun to build through the State’s offshore auction programme.

In the most recent Tonn Nua auction, Ørsted and ESB secured contracts to supply 900 megawatts of power to the grid. Earlier auctions awarded contracts to Statkraft, SSE Energy, RWE and EDF Renewables with development partners.

Beyond generation, the strategy places Business Energy demand at its core. WEI said growth will be driven through the electrification of industry, heating and transport, supported by “the integration of key technologies” such as battery storage, demand-side flexibility and green fuels to optimise wind output and system resilience.

Workforce capability is also identified as a critical enabler. The organisation plans to deepen partnerships with education and research bodies to ensure skills availability as project pipelines expand.

Explore how Ireland’s wind strategy could reshape business energy supply and infrastructure.

(Photo Credits to Conor McCabe)