Ireland’s onshore wind sector is “trapped in an eternal Groundhog Day,” according to the Irish Wind Farmers’ Association (IWFA ), which has warned that persistent delays in the planning system are jeopardising the State’s 2030 renewable energy targets.
Galway’s Grattan Healy from the Moycullen area will make a powerful opening address at this year’s Irish Wind Farmers Association, taking place on Thursday, November 27 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny.
The Galway-based renewable energy advocate will start the event with a future-facing address on “the dominant and crucial role of renewables in humanity’s future”, when most other energy sources will long since have been depleted, he says, “Considering Ireland’s future, the Government is on the right track with its ambitious 2030 renewables targets, but “Without decisive action, planning obstacles and inadequate grid development pose serious threats to achieving those commitments.”
Healy was the Energy Policy Adviser to the Green Group in the European Parliament from 1995–2001, where he helped initiate the EU’s first Renewables Directive and worked on state aid and radiation protection issues. Since returning to Ireland in 2002, he has worked on developing onshore and offshore renewable energy projects, provided energy policy advice and has been an active member of Meitheal na Gaoithe since 2003.
Annual conference accelerating renewables to 2030 targets
The conference, with Flogas as the main sponsor, is set to focus on the next phase of Ireland’s renewable transition and serve as a forum to align stakeholders, shape policy, and support a sustainably powered Ireland. Discussions will focus on planning reform, grid connection, the increasing role of battery energy storage and policies surrounding the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS ), leaving communities without the necessary support to drive successful wind projects.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets 9 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030. The IWFA says this goal is slipping out of reach unless the Government shows stronger leadership to overcome the regulatory obstacles currently in the system.
IWFA Chairperson Richard Walshe explained that reform is needed.
“Current projects with full planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála are set back or delayed due to minor clerical errors or resolvable issues, such as tree felling. This is a major obstacle impeding the country’s ability to build critical projects, not just in renewable energy, it extends to housing, public infrastructure and across other industries.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Accelerating Renewables to 2030. Ireland’s Progress and Response to the EU’s Renewable Energy Ambition”, focusing on the next phase of Ireland’s renewable transition, including the latest Planning Development Act, grid integration, battery storage opportunities and more.
The Irish Wind Farmers Association (IWFA ) Annual Conference is taking place on Thursday, November 27 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. The event seeks to unite policymakers, industry leaders, and planners to advance Ireland’s clean energy future. The full conference programme is available at www.mnag.ie
