Deirdre O Meara 
ESB and Port of Cork have entered into an agreement to help advance Ireland’s offshore wind and green hydrogen development plans.
The Port of Cork has mapped out its vision to create the infrastructure needed to foster and support the offshore renewable-energy and green-hydrogen industries.
It considers Cork as a critical facilitator of the green energy industry by leveraging its natural harbour, deep-water channels, and berths, and by reclaiming land for large project cargoes for the offshore wind and green hydrogen sectors.
ESB’s “Net Zero by 2040” strategy identifies strategic partnerships as key in facilitating its renewable energy development objectives.
This alliance will aid the Irish government in achieving its Climate Action Plan targets of producing 80% of renewable electricity by 2030 and setting a minimum of 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Ireland’s potential for offshore wind energy is enormous, with a maritime area more than seven times the size of the land and ideal wind conditions. The MoU was unveiled before the Wind Energy Ireland’s annual conference, which began on Tuesday.
Conor Mowlds, Port of Cork Company’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the significant opportunity for Cork Harbour to become a hub for renewable energy. The partnership between ESB and Port of Cork is crucial for both organisations as they strive for net-zero emissions and develop the necessary infrastructure for producing, storing, and delivering clean energy.
Ciaran McManus, asset development manager at ESB, stated that the companies will explore opportunities that offshore wind energy and hydrogen will bring to the region and the nation.
The collaboration will bring numerous benefits to the environment, local companies, and the region’s economy.
