A new report commissioned by InterTradeIreland highlights the scale of the economic opportunity in offshore wind for SMEs across the island of Ireland.
With world-class wind resources and growing net-zero commitments, both governments have set ambitious targets for offshore renewables. This report from specialist renewables consultancy Everoze provides, for the first time, an all-island picture of firm-level capability, mapping over 160 companies across 12 supply chain sectors.
The findings show strong potential to develop a globally competitive offshore wind supply chain, particularly if efforts are aligned across the island. The report identifies complementary strengths in areas such as engineering, logistics, vessels and cables, and highlights the economic value of collaboration.
It also outlines challenges such as infrastructure capacity and skills shortages. These are best tackled through joined-up action on an all-island basis to ensure local firms can fully participate in this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Margaret Hearty, InterTradeIreland’s Chief Executive, said:
“This is the first time that SME capability in the renewable energy sector has been mapped across the island. There is a real opportunity for indigenous SMEs to enter the supply chain, which can be fully realised by working together on an all-island level. There are a number of recommendations that we, working with partners can help deliver, including supporting SME engagement through cluster development, procurement guidance, skills alignment and R&D collaboration across the island.”
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said:
“I warmly welcome this report commissioned for InterTradeIreland. Following my Department’s launch of ‘Powering Prosperity’ – Ireland’s first Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy – this report will support our ongoing efforts to build a successful offshore wind energy industry. The government is committed to accelerating investment, both public and private, to ensure we have the conditions in place to achieve our ambitious energy transition, while also protecting the competitiveness of the Irish economy.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, said:
“My Department’s Energy Strategy ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’ is focused on delivering secure, affordable, clean energy and enhancing skills to grow the low-carbon economy. A decarbonised energy system presents huge economic opportunities for the island and underpins my economic priorities of creating more good jobs, increasing productivity and improving regional balance.
“The findings on SME supply chain readiness reinforce my objectives to grow a globally competitive and sustainable economy. We will continue working closely with InterTradeIreland and other stakeholders across the island to ensure SMEs have the support, market intelligence, and tools they need to access and scale in the renewable energy sector.”
Drawing lessons from international leaders like Esbjerg in Denmark, the report sets out a strategic roadmap focused on supporting collaboration, developing a robust local supply chain, aligning R&D, and building skills capability.
InterTradeIreland will work with partners across the island to build on these insights, developing shared solutions, growing local capabilities, and helping SMEs navigate and access emerging opportunities in offshore renewables.
Paul Reynolds, Partner at Everoze, said:
“This study provides a crucial roadmap for an all-island approach to the offshore wind sector, driving economic growth and sustainability. The recommendations outlined in this report will help InterTradeIreland and its partners to support cross-border collaboration and maximise the opportunities for SMEs in the renewable energy sector across the island.”
To read the report and its recommendations, visit https://research.intertradeireland.com/offshore-wind-and-hydrogen-opportunities-for-the-island-of-ireland
