SSE has welcomed the newly published report and action plan from Ireland’s Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, describing it as a “timely and essential intervention to tackle chronic infrastructure delays in Ireland.”
As one of Ireland’s leading energy companies, SSE has a large pipeline of power generation projects, which could play a vital role in the delivery of a more secure, sustainable, and affordable energy system. As well as its portfolio of onshore wind farms and flexible power stations, the company is behind the proposed Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 offshore wind project in the Irish Sea, which is currently in the planning process.
SSE has a fully funded plan to invest over €1 billion in cleaner energy infrastructure in Ireland over the next five years to 2030, with ambitions to invest more if the policy environment allows.
Barry O’Regan, SSE’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “This report is a timely and essential intervention to tackle chronic infrastructure delays in Ireland. For companies like SSE, clarity and speed in planning and delivery are critical to unlocking the investment needed to drive Ireland’s energy transition – from the build out of essential grid infrastructure to the development of large-scale renewable energy projects.
“Ireland has an incredible opportunity to capitalise on our enviable natural resources and create a more secure and sustainable energy system, but the pace of delivery must meet the scale of the ambition. SSE stands ready to play our part in delivering the energy infrastructure needed to power our communities and underpin Ireland’s continued economic growth.”
About the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce
The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce is a non-statutory body supporting the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to unblock barriers and accelerate infrastructure delivery. It has identified several necessary legislative changes that will help Ireland speed up the delivery of essential energy infrastructure.
The report also highlights the importance of long-term planning and regulatory clarity. These are areas where SSE continues to engage with the Irish Government and industry partners to help unlock investment and accelerate progress.