A new report has called for the reforming of Ireland’s planning system in order to achieve our 2030 renewable energy targets.

The report, published by the Irish Wind Energy Association, outlines how a “business as usual approach” to planning application means Ireland will likely fall short on the development of new renewable projects.

Ireland currently has the highest share of electricity demand met by onshore wind in the world, supplying around 37% of the country’s electricity over the first six months of the year.

This puts the country on track to reach our 2020 target of 40% renewable electricity.

Under the climate action plan, 70% of electricity must come from renewable sources by 2030.

This equates to the equivalent of an additional 4,000 megawatt (MW) of onshore wind over the next 10 years, reaching 8,200MW overall.

However, the report highlights that at current planning trajectory, just 5,500MW of onshore wind in total is likely to be developed by the end of the decade.

Divisive

The report suggests a number of recommendations to speed up the planning process, including a shorter appeal timeline and for developers to be able to apply for permission for multiple elements of the wind farms at the same time.

However, wind energy, both onshore and offshore, remains the subject of significant animosity among communities. Efforts have been made to address this to varying degrees of success.

Speaking on the matter, Irish Wind Energy Association CEO Dr David Connolly said: “Everyone affected by a project has the right to be heard and, if they feel their concerns have not been taken on board, to object. This right must be protected.”

Dr Connolly stressed that the proposed recommendations would not undermine the ability of individuals opposed to renewable energy to argue their case.

“But if we are serious about tackling climate change, we also need a planning system that deals with applications more quickly,” he said.