Burying the Risk: How Early Cable Burial Risk Assessment Supports Offshore Wind Grid Connection
As the UK works to increase offshore wind energy to meet Net Zero goals, connecting these projects to the national...
Ireland’s offshore wind sector is entering a transformative phase. With a national target of 20 GW by 2040, Ireland is poised to become a global leader in the use of renewable energy. But delivering this ambition requires more than turbines at sea, it requires a resilient, future-ready grid.
In a significant shift from the developer-led model seen in the UK, Ireland is adopting a plan-led approach to offshore grid infrastructure. Under this model, the Transmission System Operator (TSO), EirGrid, will take responsibility for designing, consenting, and delivering offshore transmission systems, including substations, subsea cables, and onshore grid connections. Offshore wind farm (OWF) developers will focus on the generation assets and effectively “plug in” to the national grid.
This model brings greater clarity and coordination but also introduces new challenges. It requires early collaboration, robust environmental assessments, and seamless alignment between developers, regulators, and EirGrid.
The gap lies in connecting these complex environmental and consenting requirements with project delivery timelines – ensuring that developers, regulators, and EirGrid work in harmony without delays. At APEM Group, we help close that gap by providing robust environmental assessments, strategic advice and facilitating stakeholder alignment.
Ireland’s Approach to Grid Development
The plan-led model is underpinned by a structured six-step development process, designed by EirGrid, to ensure transparency, environmental integrity, and stakeholder engagement at every stage:
- Identifying future needs – Assessing long-term energy demand and system requirements.
- Exploring technology options – Evaluating potential solutions such as cable routes, substations, and grid interfaces.
- Evaluating options and identifying areas – Narrowing down viable locations based on environmental, technical, and social factors.
- Deciding on a specific location – Conducting detailed studies and consultations to finalise infrastructure siting.
- Planning and consents – Preparing and submitting planning applications, including environmental assessments.
- Construction and energisation – Delivering the infrastructure and connecting it to the national grid.
While this process offers greater coordination and long-term system resilience, it also introduces new interfaces and responsibilities for developers, particularly in aligning project timelines and environmental assessments with national infrastructure plans.
Challenge 1: A Changing Regulatory Landscape
The enactment of the Maritime Area Planning Act (2021) and the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) marked a step change in Ireland’s offshore wind governance. These reforms laid the foundation for a more structured consenting process, but implementation is still evolving. Developers continue to face uncertainty around timelines, environmental obligations, and stakeholder engagement.
The six-step grid development process adds further complexity, introducing new decision points that must be understood and navigated effectively.
APEM Group’s Solution
We support developers and infrastructure owners in navigating Ireland’s regulatory system through:
- Regulatory advice aligned with the Maritime Area Planning Act (2021) and the TSO’s grid development framework.
- Stakeholder engagement with maritime authorities, developers, TSO planning bodies, and local communities.
- Robust environmental assessments that de-risk the consenting process and minimise programme delays.
- Specialist input on cable routing through shallow waters, sensitive habitats, and areas of intensive marine activity.
Challenge 2: Aligning with Grid Strategy and Market Access
Ireland’s first offshore wind auction (ORESS 1) in 2023 was a landmark moment. Looking ahead, future projects located in the South Coast DMAP will need to align closely with the TSO’s evolving infrastructure plans.
As grid access becomes centrally planned, developers must adapt their project timelines and design strategies accordingly. At the same time, interconnector and onshore grid opportunities remain active, offering additional routes to market and enhancing system resilience.
APEM Group’s Solution
We help clients align with Ireland’s grid strategy through:
- Early-stage constraints analysis to identify viable landfall and grid interface points
- Environmental and technical assessments that support the six-step development process
- Experience across OWF, interconnectors, and onshore planning, enabling a holistic view of grid integration
- Predictive modelling to anticipate operational risks and inform design decisions.
Why Grid Connection is a Strategic Priority
Grid connection is no longer just an engineering milestone; it’s a strategic enabler of Ireland’s clean energy future. The move to a plan-led model offers greater coordination and long-term resilience, but also demands early alignment, environmental stewardship, and technical precision.
At APEM Group, we bring the experience, insight, and collaborative approach needed to make that happen. Whether supporting offshore wind developers, advising on interconnectors, or contributing to national infrastructure planning, we’re proud to play a role in securing Ireland’s energy transition.
Are you developing an offshore wind project, planning a cable route, or engaging with Ireland’s evolving grid strategy?
Let’s talk about how APEM Group can help you connect – securely, sustainably, and successfully.
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