Tom O’Malley explores how professionals can establish themselves in Ireland’s ever-evolving offshore wind industry.
According to Tom O’Malley, an offshore construction specialist with 20 years of global experience, Ireland’s offshore wind sector has been active since the early 2000s, but only a small number of projects have reached the installation stage.
“Ireland had access to offshore wind technology very early, even before some of our neighbours in the UK, and they have moved ahead in terms of installed infrastructure,” he said. “Ireland is still working through the steps needed to get projects built, which includes statutory requirements, planning and investment decisions.”
He explained that there are a number of key factors actively impacting progress, such as complicated regulatory requirements, the development of infrastructure needed to handle generated electricity and the high risks and costs often involved in installing a project.
“These are areas that need to be worked through, but once they are clearer, they will help developers and investors move projects forward,” he said.
With that in mind, it is incredibly important that Ireland, in an effort to move ahead, prioritises the upskilling of students and professionals aiming to move into the offshore wind sector. This can be achieved not just by attending a third-level institution but by investing in alternative educational routes.
Time to pivot
Having recently returned to Ireland, O’Malley didn’t initially plan to transition from the construction sector into the offshore wind space, however he completed an offshore wind energy micro-credential programme at UCC, explaining he felt the need to close the gaps he saw emerging in the different parts of the industry.
“Many of my peers around the world have had to decide whether their offshore construction skills are serving the oil and gas industry or the wind industry. There are a lot of people with years of experience in project management, fabrication, installation, electrical and fibre infrastructure, trenching, commissioning and so on, who can support both industries. I saw offshore wind as an opportunity to apply the skills I built up over 20 years in offshore construction to a growing area.”
However, he noted it has been a challenge finding a permanent role, particularly as the market has widened and it has become a popular career route among professionals across a diverse range of sectors.
“I had thought I would walk into the offshore wind industry here. I’ve learned that it’s a competitive market and will continue to be until more offshore developments become reality and investors see turbines turning offshore,” he said.
And this is where accredited courses such as micro-credentials can give students or those looking to transition a competitive edge, as they enable people to better understand the specifics of the offshore wind industry and to identify what parts of their skillset needs improvement.
“It helped me build on what I already knew and develop my professional knowledge in this area,” said O’Malley, who added, “while I am not currently working in the offshore construction sphere, I came back to Ireland to get involved in that market, so it was important that I gained more insight into this side of the industry.”
Career routes
And there are plenty of ways in which a professional can move into the offshore wind sector, as there are opportunities for project engineers, design engineers, project managers, project controls, safety engineers, environmental engineers and geotechnical engineers, among others. As well as roles for those skilled to work in the development, planning and consent stages.
O’Malley said, “On the engineering side, you see people from environmental, electrical, electronic, civil, mechanical, geotechnical and structural backgrounds involved in offshore wind projects. These disciplines are needed to complete the design and development stages.
“There is also a strong need for project management professionals, including quantity surveyors, financial controllers, planners and similar roles. Offshore wind projects are large and complex, so good project management is important. The world is your oyster in terms of the qualifications required to support this industry, so, for any new, young professional, this is a great industry to be in.”
The future of the sector
According to O’Malley, Ireland has a reliable and strong foundation upon which it can lay its offshore wind projects, further noting that if and when these projects progress it will help to retain skilled employees and create long-term opportunities.
The next phase, he explained, will involve seeing offshore contractors further engage in the engineering and installation analysis stages of larger projects. He also predicts significant environmental challenges around the installation of these facilities stating this is an aspect that will require careful management.
“2026 will be an important year in terms of planning, design and preparation, with the aim of moving towards installation as we get closer to 2030. With the Government’s climate commitments, it’s important that progress continues and that the pace picks up as projects move through the system.”
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