The awarding of contracts for four companies to provide electricity from offshore wind is a landmark moment, with the giant new schemes potentially coming on stream towards the end of the decade. It is now essential that these projects pass through the planning process as efficiently as possible.
This does not mean that the projects should get some kind of easy passage, or that the impact on the marine environment or those living on the coastline should be ignored ; rather the key point is that the decisions are made in the planning system and probably the courts in an expeditious way and that these projects are not dogged by endless delays and legal challenges. Planners may require changes to the schemes – and perhaps even reject some. But the process must be managed efficiently. The project developers have a responsibility too – presumably they are well prepared.
The price which emerged from the auction – €86.05 per megawatt hour – is above that applying in a number of other European countries, though it is significantly lower than many in the Irish market had expected, including, it appears, the ESB, whose projects was not chosen. The price at which providers are willing to supply to the market reflects in part the uncertainties of the Irish planning system, largely untested in this area. If the system is seen to operate efficiently in this case, then a lower price in future wind energy auctions could be anticipated, providing further benefits to Irish households and businesses.
This is new territory for Irish planners with a Marine Area Regulatory Authority, established under recent legislation, set to have a key role and the requirement for An Bord Pleanála to assess these projects under the amended Planning and Development Act 2000. It is essential that there is proper resourcing in all areas of this planning and regulatory process and that the timelines for decisions are met. Also, thought needs to be given to how the courts can expeditiously deal with any challenges.
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As well as ensuring this whole system is properly resourced, policymakers face the challenge of upgrading the electricity network, with implications here for onshore wind in the short term. Meanwhile the development of interconnects with the UK and France will be vital to make the most use of offshore wind.
While this challenge crosses Government, it is obviously particularly important for the Green Party and its leader Eamon Ryan, who have led the argument on the climate agenda. There is a big job of management for Ryan and his senior officials to ensure all aspects of this complicated process come together. There will, inevitably, be challenges, problems and some delays. But they must not be allowed to throw this process off course. Ireland has a huge opportunity to decarbonise using offshore wind and it must be taken.