Government Considers Designating Private Offshore Wind as Critical Infrastructure

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers announced the Government is considering amending proposed legislation to allow privately developed offshore wind renewable energy facilities to be designated as critical infrastructure. This would enable public bodies to prioritize and accelerate authorization processes for these projects, while still fulfilling other statutory duties. The proposed legislation would also disapply parts of the existing Climate Act for designated projects.

Currently, only projects funded by the State or public bodies are eligible for critical infrastructure designation. Chambers is examining if privately led offshore renewable electricity projects, supported by State schemes, should also qualify, given the energy crisis. He clarified that any expansion would apply exclusively to offshore wind, excluding other private sector infrastructure.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien noted five east coast offshore wind projects, with a planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts, are in development. The first planning determination is expected by late 2026, with operations commencing in the early 2030s. O’Brien also stated his department is developing proposals for an auction of a south coast site, anticipated in 2027, with EirGrid working on grid connection options.