Examining the potential for floating offshore wind farms in Irish waters to achieve the 37 GW Offshore Wind Energy Goal by 2050
Szczepaniec, K.; O’Rourke, F.; Ryan, P. (2025). Examining the potential for floating offshore wind farms in Irish waters to achieve the 37 GW Offshore Wind Energy Goal by 2050. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 3025(1): 012020. https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/3025/1/012020
In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. IOP Publishing: Bristol. ISSN 1742-6588; e-ISSN 1742-6596, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Szczepaniec, K.
- O’Rourke, F.
- Ryan, P.
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| Abstract |
Significant legislative initiatives and ambitious targets characterise Ireland’s transition to offshore renewable energy. Despite ambitious goals, the full potential of Irish waters has not been thoroughly explored. This study evaluates the capacity of Irish waters to host floating offshore wind farms, taking into account recent policy developments and strategic objectives. A comprehensive methodology was developed, incorporating technical, legislative, and industry best practices, which led to identifying an area of interest spanning 58,486 km2. Bathymetric analysis indicates that approximately 80% of the total power capacity of 197 GW can be deployed in water depths ranging from 60 m to 200 m. This area of interest can accommodate nearly five times the most ambitious target (Target III) and almost twenty times the lowest target (Target I). The area’s assessment of wind conditions and energy yield revealed exceptional potential. The gross energy yield per wind turbine ranges from 80.8 GWh/a to 88.6 GWh/a, averaging 84.8 GWh/ |
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