Sustainability New

A solitary offshore wind turbine stands tall in the open sea under a bright blue sky

Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy Growth

Wexford sits adjacent to some of Ireland’s most important offshore wind development zones in the Irish and Celtic Seas. Under Ireland’s South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP), these areas have been identified for large-scale offshore renewable energy development. A major offshore wind project planned off the coast of Fethard-on-Sea and Duncannon is expected to deliver up to 900MW of renewable electricity, enough to power almost one million homes when operational.

Rosslare Europort is being developed as Ireland’s principal Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, creating a strategic base for the construction, operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms. This investment will establish Wexford as a key location in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy supply chain and support businesses involved in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and marine services.

There is a solar power technician crouching down amongst a field of solar panels to the left of the photo. He is dressed in black clothes with a hi-vis vest and hard hat

Strong Electricity Infrastructure and Energy Security

Wexford benefits from direct access to Ireland’s national electricity transmission network and EirGrid’s expanding renewable energy infrastructure programmes. The county is also the Irish landing point for the 500MW Greenlink Interconnector, which directly connects Ireland’s electricity system with Great Britain, strengthening energy security, improving supply resilience, and supporting greater integration of renewable energy generation

A solar power technician installing solar panels whilst wearing safety gear: a hi-vis and orange hard hat

Established Onshore Wind Generation

The county already has a significant renewable energy base, with multiple operational wind farms including Richfield, Castledockrell, Carnsore and Ballywater. According to SEAI data, Wexford has approximately 182MW of installed wind and hydro generation capacity, contributing to Ireland’s clean energy supply and supporting national renewable energy targets.

Detailed view of a 3D printer extruder

Supporting Innovation and Skills Development

Wexford is actively developing a renewable energy innovation ecosystem. The Ireland South East Offshore Wind Partnership brings together industry, local authorities, ports, educational institutions and enterprise agencies to ensure the region develops the skills, research capability and supply chains required by the offshore wind sector. The county is also home to

Greentech HQ in Enniscorthy, Ireland’s first dedicated Sustainability Innovation Hub, providing a platform for businesses focused on sustainability, cleantech innovation and green growth.

An electrician working with wires

Complementary Energy Infrastructure

Alongside renewable energy assets, Wexford benefits from natural gas infrastructure supplied by the Great Island Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station. The facility is one of Ireland’s most efficient gas-fired power stations and provides a reliable energy source for businesses requiring secure baseload power while transitioning towards greater renewable energy use.

Desk setup showing calculator, cash, coins, and financial notes for budgeting.

Investment Proposition

For international investors, Wexford offers:

  • Access to rapidly expanding offshore wind, solar and onshore wind generation.
  • Enhanced energy security through the Greenlink Interconnector and Ireland’s national grid.
  • Competitive infrastructure for energy-intensive industries.
  • Emerging opportunities in offshore wind supply chains, manufacturing, logistics and engineering.
  • Dedicated renewable energy innovation and skills development ecosystems.
  • Strong public sector commitment to becoming a national leader in renewable energy and the green economy.

This combination of renewable energy resources, strategic infrastructure and future capacity makes Wexford one of Ireland’s most compelling locations for sustainable, low-carbon foreign direct investment.

A front view of the Wexford County Council offices in the County Hall. The building is a multi-storey, glass fronted building with exposed metal rods as part of the façade. To the front of the building in the left foreground is a sculpture of a 3d square with a circle cut out in the centre. In the centre is a life-like sculpture of a lady with her arms out, holding both sides of the square. The piece is by Rowan Gillespie and is called 'Solstice'

Wexford County Council Leadership on Climate Action and Sustainable Energy

A key differentiator for investors considering Wexford is the proactive role being played by Wexford County Council in creating a supportive policy, infrastructure and innovation environment for sustainable business growth. Through a combination of climate policy, strategic planning, innovation initiatives and renewable energy partnerships, the Council is actively positioning Wexford as a leading location for the low-carbon economy

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