Energy

Shell withdrawal shows ‘urgent need’ for state action on offshore wind policy

The unexpected move by the multinational energy behemoth could damage Ireland’s ambition to achieve an 80 per cent cut in energy emissions

The departure of Shell and Equinor from the Irish offshore wind market in the space of a year has been described as a ‘huge blow’ to Ireland’s climate ambitions

The government must urgently put in place a fit-for-purpose policy framework for the development of an offshore wind sector in Ireland, an industry body has warned.

It comes after Shell, the multinational energy giant, announced it was pulling out of the Irish renewables market in a potentially significant blow to the country’s climate ambitions. A senior industry source said Shell was leaving Ireland to focus its efforts on countries with more accommodating legislative frameworks.

The ...