Ireland has a sea area of 900,000 square kilometres. This is approximately 10 times the size of its landmass. Because of Irelands location at the Atlantic edge of the EU, it has more offshore energy potential than most other countries in Europe. The conditions are suitable for the development of the full range of current offshore renewable energy technologies.
The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) published in February 2014, identifies the opportunity for the sustainable development of Ireland's offshore renewable energy resources. The OREDP identifies resources for increasing indigenous production of renewable electricity, contributing to reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions, improving the security of our energy supply and creating jobs in the green economy. The OREDP sets out key principles, policy actions and enablers for delivery of Ireland's significant potential in this area. In this way, the OREDP will provide a framework for the sustainable development of Ireland's offshore renewable energy resources.
The implementation of the OREDP, led by DCCAE is a mechanism through which government action across the environmental, energy policy and economic development dimensions is coordinated to support the offshore renewable energy sector to reach commercial viability.