The Irish Offshore Renewable Energy Plan (2010) proposed an initial development of 4.5GW of offshore wind energy be undertaken before 2030. Assuming that the turbines used will be around 3.6-5MW capacity, this will result in circa 1000 turbines being constructed off the Irish coast over the next 20 years at a total cost of approximately €15bn. The estimated cost of the design, construction and installation of specialist offshore foundation systems represent a potential €5.25 to €6.75bn industry to Ireland to 2030. The UK Government launched the Round 3 competition in early 2010 which awarded offshore development licences for 32GW of wind energy.
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