Grid limits are biggest barrier to new wind projects, WEI warns

Ireland’s electricity grid capacity is the biggest barrier to the delivery of new onshore wind projects, according to Wind Energy Ireland (WEI).

The industry body has launched a new Onshore Wind Action Plan containing 15 recommendations aimed at accelerating the development of wind energy.

Ireland currently has just over 5,000MW of installed onshore wind capacity, while a further 3,000MW of projects with planning approval are seeking connections to the electricity grid.

The action plan was developed through workshops with 22 renewable energy companies and calls for faster delivery of major transmission projects and a more predictable grid connection process.

Batteries

It also recommends allowing batteries to share grid connections with wind farms, reducing the amount of renewable electricity that is lost and aligning planning policy with national renewable energy policy.

Wind Energy Ireland CEO Noel Cunniffe said grid-related issues were consistently identified by members as the biggest obstacle to new projects.

Noel Cunniffe said: “More than 3,000 MW of onshore wind farms already have planning permission. However, some of these projects are now being told they must wait five years and more for a grid connection. With projects ready to go, we must build a grid that can be the cornerstone of Irish energy independence.

“Every unit of wind power we cannot use means greater reliance on imported fossil fuels. It means higher costs for consumers, higher emissions and missed investment in rural communities."