Offshore Wind Potential in Northern Ireland Using GIS Multi-Criteria Assessment

Abstract

In line with Northern Ireland's ambition to reach 1 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 for mitigating energy carbon intensity, this study explores the current challenges and untapped opportunities in the region's offshore wind sector. Despite having a large sea area of 6,500 km2, Northern Ireland falls behind other regions of Great Britain in offshore wind development. The delay is due to various issues, including political issues and geographical limits. Notably, the sea area has significant depth and spatial constraints due to marine conservation legislation and restrictions imposed by shipping and fishing activities. However, this research found that the obstacles are not impossible to solve. The study finds a remaining potential for fixed-bottom offshore wind generation above 1 GW and a far bigger capacity for floating offshore wind installations across numerous areas. This study intends to provide strategic insights and recommendations for unlocking Northern Ireland's full offshore wind energy potential by establishing the region's environmental, regulatory, and industrial landscape. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the multiple processes influencing regional offshore wind development, providing means for sustainable growth and meeting renewable energy targets. While the findings are from a relatively small region, the diverse range of both geological and human constraints identified and analysed has far ranging applications for offshore wind developments in regions with similar constraints.

Keywords: Offshore Wind Energy, Bathymetry, Marine Energy, Resource Assessment, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, Geographic Information System