The Power Tomorrow: Why Offshore Wind Is Ireland’s Next Big Opportunity

If you ask Dr. Michael O’Shea, structural engineering lecturer at University College Cork, what Ireland’s future looks like, his answer is clear: it’s clean, it’s coastal and it’s wind-powered.

Michael sees offshore wind as a major opportunity for Ireland—one that plays to our strengths and responds to our needs. It’s a sector rooted in engineering, research and long-term planning, and it’s a chance to create an industry that reflects both our resources and our resilience.

Looking Back to Move Forward

“Ireland never really had an industrial revolution,” he explains. “We were the centre of the world in telecommunications 130 years ago, laying transatlantic cables out of Valentia Island  and Waterville. But we never developed heavy manufacturing like Britain or continental Europe.”

That historical context matters. While Ireland has become a global hub for tech and pharma, offshore wind demands something different—physical infrastructure, coastal access and a workforce ready to take on the challenges of the Atlantic.

Early Momentum—and a Long Pause

Ireland made an early move with the Arklow Bank project, installing its first offshore turbines more than 20 years ago. But, as Michael points out, the momentum didn’t continue. “We did that 21 years ago and only now we’re in the next few years going to install our next iteration of offshore wind.”

There are reasons for that pause. Economic conditions, including the crash, played a role. Infrastructure was lacking. Planning systems weren’t yet equipped to support development at scale. Still, Michael believes Ireland is now in a much better position to move forward.

Positive Progress and New Potential

“We're making very positive strides,” he says, pointing to improvements in planning and consenting, stronger policy direction and a growing understanding of the role offshore wind will play in meeting our energy demands.

Michael believes Ireland has an opportunity to lead in floating wind technology—especially if we can prove it works in our Atlantic environment. “Designing structures that can survive off the west coast? That’s world-class engineering.”

A Broad Industry with Room for Everyone

He also points to the importance of education. From university engineering programmes to short courses and micro-credentials, there are now multiple ways for people to engage with the sector. “There’s a place for everyone,” he explains—from welders to marine scientists to communications specialists.

That range of roles reflects the complexity of the industry. Offshore wind involves logistics, planning, environmental science, public engagement and policy. “You name it, you probably need it,” he says.

Building Skills—and Belief

Michael’s own work focuses on structural engineering, but he collaborates across disciplines and with companies working on next-generation technologies, such as floating wind platforms and superconducting cables. He sees strong potential for Ireland to lead in these areas, especially if we can prove their effectiveness in our challenging Atlantic conditions.

He’s also keenly aware of the importance of public engagement. Offshore wind will only succeed with societal support and that starts with communication—early, honest, and widespread. He regularly visits schools, showing young people models of turbines and talking through the science and the opportunity. “It opens their minds to what’s possible.”

Why It Matters

Michael links the need for offshore wind to the everyday reality of our energy use. “There is a cost to having a mobile phone and everything on the cloud,” he says. “Offshore wind is one of the most sustainable ways to provide that electricity.”

Local Strengths for a Global Industry

For coastal communities, the opportunity is especially real. Many have generations of maritime knowledge and are well placed to play a role in offshore development. Michael sees this as a way to support sustainable livelihoods in places like Killybegs and Castletownbere.

“I’m very excited,” he says. “We are on the cusp of a huge industry in Ireland—one that we can become world leaders in.”

The Power Tomorrow isn’t just about where Ireland’s energy will come from. It’s about how we use our strengths to shape the future—and who we bring with us on that journey.