Wind Energy Ireland will launch what it describes as a roadmap to Irish 'electrostate' at its 2026 Annual Conference in Dublin.
Chief Executive Noel Cunniffe defined an ‘electrostate’ as a country powered by secure, affordable, home-grown clean electricity with cleaner air, warmer homes, and electric grid infrastructure that is built to last.
The roadmap is set out in a new strategy document - delivering energy independence, powering growth.
The new strategy aims to deploy wind projects cost-effectively at scale and at pace.
There is also a focus on removing bottlenecks impacting on the development of the wind energy resources.
This includes bottlenecks in electricity grid development and financing through technical and regulatory support.
Wind Energy Ireland said it will help drive Ireland’s energy transition through electrification as well as supporting the development of energy storage and ensuring that clean electricity is cost-competitive with fossil fuel alternatives.
It noted, however, that the transition to clean energy will only succeed if it has public trust and support.
To that end it said it will work to help people to understand the benefits of wind energy - centred on affordability, energy security and climate action - and ensure communities feel empowered and included.
It will also work with educational, research and industry organisations to ensure training and upskilling programmes are available so that the skilled workforce required for the industry is available.
The strategy outlined how Ireland’s wind resources can be deployed at scale to strengthen energy independence and protect consumers from volatile fossil fuel markets.
Wind Energy Ireland said two key deliverables underpin its new roadmap or strategy.
The first is to build wind farms - onshore and offshore - at a faster pace, and at the best possible value for Irish consumers.
The second is to accelerate the transition to a resilient, electrified economy by growing clean electricity demand in the heat, transport and industrial sectors.
Mr Cunniffe said: "By building wind farms faster, strengthening our electricity grid, adding more storage and electrifying our economy, Ireland can secure clean, affordable power while creating new opportunities right across the economy."
