3037: How IDA Ireland is Supporting the Growth of Offshore Wind and Green Technologies

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Shauna Higgins and Tristan McCallum from IDA Ireland about the country’s ambitious offshore wind energy goals and its growing green economy initiatives. Ireland is quickly positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy, with a target of achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, and scaling up to 20GW by 2040. With an eye toward creating 37GW by 2050, Ireland is on a clear path to not only meet its own energy needs but to generate surplus capacity, opening up exciting investment opportunities and fostering innovation in sectors like energy storage, AI, and digital technologies. Shauna and Tristan walk us through the current state of Ireland’s offshore wind ecosystem, which is driven by strategic policy frameworks like the Future Framework and the €5 billion grid infrastructure plan known as Shaping Our Electricity Future. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for Ireland’s sustainable development, attracting international players and fostering a strong business environment for renewable energy companies. With over 300 wind farms already generating 4.8GW of power, Ireland ranks third globally for installed wind power per capita, and the momentum is growing as the country hosts its first offshore wind auction, granting 3GW of projects. We also discuss how IDA Ireland is helping companies embrace the twin transition of digital and green technologies, supporting industries that are eager to tap into Ireland’s emerging renewable energy surplus. From energy storage innovations to the growing potential of hydrogen for industrial use, Ireland’s offshore wind strategy is opening doors for tech-driven advancements in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductor manufacturing. Shauna and Tristan provide insights into how Ireland is leveraging its natural resources, talent pool, and pro-business policies to create a robust ecosystem for offshore wind energy. With top-tier training centers like the National Maritime College and a highly skilled workforce, Ireland is not just building a sustainable future but leading the way for other countries to follow. Tune in to discover how Ireland’s offshore wind initiatives are driving new opportunities for businesses and helping to shape the future of renewable energy. Could Ireland’s investment in offshore wind become a global model for sustainable growth? Shauna and Tristan share their thoughts on the exciting potential ahead.

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If every company is now a tech company and digital transformation is a journey rather than a destination, how do you keep up with the relentless pace of technological change? Every day, Tech Talks Daily brings you insights from the brightest minds in tech, business, and innovation, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways. Hosted by Neil C. Hughes, Tech Talks Daily explores how emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, fintech, quantum computing, Web3, and more are shaping industries and solving real-world challenges in modern businesses. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, CEOs, Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, and even the occasional celebrity, Tech Talks Daily uncovers the trends driving digital transformation and the strategies behind successful tech adoption. But this isn't just about buzzwords. We go beyond the hype to demystify the biggest tech trends and determine their real-world impact. From cybersecurity and blockchain to AI sovereignty, robotics, and post-quantum cryptography, we explore the measurable difference these innovations can make. Whether improving security, enhancing customer experiences, or driving business growth, we also investigate the ROI of cutting-edge tech projects, asking the tough questions about what works, what doesn't, and how businesses can maximize their investments. Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply curious about technology's role in our lives, you'll find engaging discussions that challenge perspectives, share diverse viewpoints, and spark new ideas. New episodes are released daily, 365 days a year, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways around technology and the future of business.