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Europe is facing an unprecedented energy challenge. Europe must transition to a renewables-dependent and thus weather-dependent energy system. Renewable generation technologies in solar and onshore and offshore wind have matured to become commercially and technologically feasible. However, the introduction of renewables at the speed necessary presents considerable challenges, most notably on the electricity grid. Grid technology and infrastructure are far from where they need to be to accommodate the needed level of renewables, especially in the offshore space where no grid currently exists. A more holistic approach to grid planning is required. Lessons are drawn from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in the US which delivers significant cost-savings across 15 US states. A European-wide supergrid with a significant offshore grid could provide similar benefits by alleviating the challenges of renewable energy and connecting the best offshore renewables to demand centres across the continent. The planning, development and operation of such a grid would face institutional barriers and would require a complex new European Governing Framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the growth of the offshore wind power industry in Europe. It is inferred that Ireland is the seventh largest contributor to the growth of the European offshore wind power sector with 25 megawatts. According to the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), the industry is expected to provide 148 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity by 2020.