Wind energy

Offshore wind projects at Shannon could deliver six times Ireland’s domestic energy demand by 2050

Review of Shannon Foynes masterplan says up to 120 floating turbines could be installed offshore per year with thousands of jobs being created and billions of euros of investment pumped into the region

Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon Foynes Port, said the update of the masterplan came at a critical moment given the pressing demand to develop alternative energy sources. Picture: Arthur Ellis Photography

Offshore wind developments in the Shannon Estuary could provide up to six times Ireland’s current domestic energy demand by 2050, a new report has found.

A review of the existing Shannon Foynes masterplan carried out by Bechtel, the engineering and construction firm, has estimated that the region’s floating offshore wind energy capacity could deliver 30 gigawatts of energy by 2050.

According to the report, up to 120 floating turbines could be installed offshore per year ...