Energy cooperation between Ireland and the UK has been a key topic over the past decade. Both onshore and offshore wind play a crucial role in both countries’ transition towards a more sustainable energy supply, particularly when it comes to cooperation in developing infrastructure such as wind farms and interconnected power grids. As both countries work intensively towards their own decarbonisation goals, the potential for advanced energy collaboration is more promising than ever.
In recent years, the role of wind power as a renewable energy source has become increasingly important due to international commitments to combat climate change. The United Kingdom, in particular, has been a world leader in the creation of offshore wind capacity, while Ireland has shown a growing interest in harnessing its vast wind potential, both onshore and offshore.
Initiatives for energy cooperation between Ireland and the United Kingdom
First and foremost, energy cooperation between Ireland and the UK is based on the joint implementation of key infrastructures such as wind farms and power grids. In addition to that, there is a natural synergy between both countries to develop renewable sources due to their geographical locations, which provide constant and strong winds on their coasts.
In July 2023, Ireland unveiled its National Hydrogen Strategy, outlining the intention to develop 2 GW of hydrogen production through offshore wind farms by 2030. This strategy aligns with the efforts of the United Kingdom, which has an even more ambitious goal of reaching 50 GW of offshore wind in the same year.
Joint actions in wind farms
In recent years, the UK and Ireland have stepped up their cooperation, signing important agreements to develop offshore wind farms. One such initiative is the UK's inclusion in the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), a memorandum of understanding signed by the UK and the European Commission to integrate networks and develop offshore wind energy.
This effort has been complemented by collaboration between companies from both countries, such as the partnership between ESB, Ireland’s utility, and Ørsted, the world leader in offshore wind energy. This agreement has the potential to generate up to 5 GW of renewable energy through offshore wind projects. ESB and Ørsted are also exploring complementary projects such as the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis, which is expected to play an important role in the decarbonisation of heavy industry and transport.
Joint infrastructure development
A key part of successful energy cooperation between Ireland and the UK lies in developing the infrastructure needed to transport the energy generated. There are currently several interconnection projects underway, which allow the exchange of electricity between the two countries and help them to make the most of the renewable energy generated.
The UK has a significant network of interconnections with other European countries, facilitating the export and import of energy. In 2022, it imported 9% of its electricity; however, this figure is expected to fall as the UK strengthens its capacity to produce clean energy and export it, especially to countries such as France, which rely heavily on nuclear energy.
In addition to existing grids, there are projects underway to develop hybrid offshore wind farms, which will serve both as clean energy generators and as interconnectors between different countries. These projects include the creation of energy islands in the North Sea, which could generate up to 30% of total offshore wind energy by 2050.
- Joint development of offshore wind farms: Cooperation between Ireland and the UK, alongside several European countries, has enabled offshore wind projects to proliferate in the North Sea, particularly with ambitious targets set for 2030.
- The North Sea as an energy hub: More than 75% of European offshore wind energy is generated in the North Sea, with new projects such as offshore hybrids aiming to maximise the efficiency of this technology.
- Economies of scale and renewable energy: The collaboration between both countries not only seeks to produce energy, but also to generate economies of scale that make the use of renewable energy more accessible and profitable.
Challenges to overcome in energy cooperation
Despite progress, there are multiple challenges to be faced in ensuring that energy cooperation between Ireland and the UK achieves its long-term goals. Key obstacles include issues related to the network, planning and financing. The electricity networks in both countries need significant modernisation to be able to handle the increased production of renewable energy.
In addition, the construction of new wind infrastructure and its connections to the grid also present challenges, such as the need to comply with environmental regulations and minimise the negative impact on marine biodiversity. Wind farms, although environmentally friendly, require careful planning to avoid interference with marine fauna.
The push for green hydrogen
One of the key elements in the energy transition is green hydrogen, an energy source that will be essential for decarbonisation, particularly in difficult sectors such as heavy industries and maritime or aviation transport. Ireland and the UK have identified this as a key opportunity to complement wind energy.
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, such as that produced by wind farms. This energy can be stored and used in a wide variety of sectors. According to the strategies just published by both governments, by 2030, half of the UK's low-carbon hydrogen production will be green hydrogen.
Projections for the future of wind energy in both countries
The future of energy cooperation between Ireland and the UK looks promising, especially considering the long-term goals. By 2030, Ireland is expected to achieve 7 GW of offshore wind capacity, while the UK will reach 50 GW, consolidating its position as one of the leading powers in offshore wind energy worldwide.
In addition, green hydrogen is expected to play a key role in both countries. While Ireland will focus the majority of its production on offshore wind, the UK will look to complement its onshore and offshore infrastructure to maximise energy efficiency and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
With the implementation of these policies and strategies, a significant reduction in carbon emissions is expected, which will benefit not only these two countries, but also the rest of Europe.
Energy cooperation between Ireland and the United Kingdom is consolidating as one of the most important alliances in Europe’s energy transition. With the development of new wind infrastructure and the promotion of green hydrogen, both countries are firmly committed to decarbonising their energy sectors and creating a cleaner future for future generations.