Ireland Releases Geophysical Data Ahead of 2025 Offshore Wind Auction

Ireland Releases Geophysical Data Ahead of 2025 Offshore Wind Auction
Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, Tonn Nua, aims to secure 900MW of clean energy off County Waterford’s coast, backed by new geophysical data and spatial plans. (Image: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash)
  • Ireland opens geophysical data for auction of 900MW of future offshore wind.
  • Tonn Nua auction to secure clean energy off County Waterford.
  • Ireland publishes auction terms for ORE based on new spatial maritime plans
  • The move is aligned with the strong push that Ireland has started on a target for offshore renewables.

The Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland has released geophysical datasets for potential bidders to support in their preparations for Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, ORESS Tonn Nua. Scheduled for the first half of 2025, this auction will supply the country with 900 MW of offshore wind power from the proposed development area off the coast of County Waterford as Ireland continues its efforts toward renewable energy targets.

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Tonn Nua auction terms were accepted by the government on 30 October 2024, and this data release provides vital information to bidders. In publishing this information, DECC hopes to help developers better evaluate and de-risk their bids, as they will have a greater chance of successful, cost-effective project implementation.

In fact, today’s data release overlaps with increased activity in Ireland’s ORE sector. On November 6, thousands of industry professionals will gather in Dublin for a two-day Wind Energy Trade Show—the biggest event highlighting Ireland’s commitment to renewable energy growth. Tonn Nua is the latest step by Ireland into developing its offshore wind capacity, following the success of its first auction last year.

The auction is also noteworthy for its conformity with the newly adopted South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC DMAP), Ireland’s first spatial plan for offshore wind development. The SC DMAP, recently approved by Oireachtas, identified four major zones for offshore wind development located off the southern coast and, among other sites, areas near Cork, Waterford, and Wexford for development within the next decade.

The government will therefore work within these spatial plans to enable smooth offshore developments in the future, thereby saving marine environments and supporting coastal communities that are reliant on these resources.

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According to the Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications of Ireland, Eamon Ryan, “The second geophysical data release alongside the auction of Tonn Nua supports the government in accelerating the stride towards offshore renewable energy in Ireland. This particular auction promises to continue with the auctions offshore and promises more extended regional as well as national economic benefits aside from ensuring cleaner energy.”.

With the release of geophysical data and the upcoming Tonn Nua auction, Ireland comes out with more aggressive moves to even seal the meaning of being at the top of offshore wind energy. Combining the possibilities behind the aforementioned spatial planning in forming potential development, Ireland ensures its way to sustainable growth within the offshore renewables sector—both in terms of environmental gains and economy.

Swapnil Unde

Swapnil Unde

Swapnil Unde is the founder and CEO, with 10 years of experience in online marketing, dedicated to making renewable energy content accessible and empowering a sustainable future.

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