Enterprise Ireland has today announced the launch of Propel Ireland, a new innovation centre designed to drive collaboration, innovation and supply chain development across Ireland’s offshore wind sector.
Propel Ireland represents a key action under Powering Prosperity: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, supporting the development of a globally competitive offshore wind industry and positioning Irish companies to capitalise on significant domestic and international opportunities.
Offshore wind is central to Ireland’s energy future and economic growth, with national targets of up to 37GW of offshore renewable energy capacity by 2050 – creating a significant opportunity for enterprise development, job creation and export growth.
Propel Ireland will bring together developers, SMEs, researchers and Government stakeholders to strengthen collaboration across the offshore wind ecosystem and accelerate innovation.
Propel Ireland will:
• Connect Ireland’s offshore wind industry and support collaboration across enterprise, research and Government
• Enable companies to address shared technical and commercial challenges
• Support the development of a competitive Irish supply chain for domestic projects and global export
• Accelerate the commercial deployment of later-stage technologies
The initiative will be supported by a cross-sectoral steering group, including representatives from Government Departments and agencies, industry and the research community, ensuring alignment with national policy and industry needs.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said: “Developing a strong offshore wind industry is a key priority for Government, supporting enterprise growth, innovation and job creation. Propel Ireland will play an important role in strengthening Ireland’s supply chain and supporting companies to seize the opportunities in this rapidly growing global sector.”
Minister at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley TD, said: “Offshore wind will play a central role in delivering Ireland’s climate and energy ambitions. Initiatives such as Propel Ireland are important in supporting innovation, building capability and ensuring we maximise the economic benefits of the transition to renewable energy.”
Minister of State with special responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD said: “Collaboration between industry, research and Government is critical to delivering innovation in emerging sectors such as offshore wind. Propel Ireland will support the development of knowledge, skills and research capability needed to underpin Ireland’s long-term success in this area.”
Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Offshore wind presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to build a new, globally competitive sector. Propel Ireland will support Irish companies to collaborate, innovate and scale, enabling them to compete internationally while contributing to the development of Ireland’s offshore wind capability.”
The launch of Propel Ireland reflects a coordinated, cross-Government approach to developing Ireland’s offshore wind sector, aligned with national climate, energy and enterprise policy.
Ireland’s strong research base, growing enterprise capability and natural resources position the country to become a leading location for offshore wind innovation and supply chain development. Propel Ireland will support this ambition by providing a platform for collaboration, innovation and commercialisation.
Enterprise Ireland will now engage with industry partners to support participation in Propel Ireland and to ensure that Irish companies are well-positioned to benefit from opportunities in offshore wind, both domestically and internationally.
