From Coastline to Centre Stage: Nordic Offshore Wind in focus

From Coastline to Centre Stage: Nordic Offshore Wind in focus

The Global Energy Transition

Offshore wind remains a crucial asset of the global energy transition – especially across Denmark, Norway and Sweden.  With the support of Enterprise Ireland, Irish companies are consistently identifying and pursuing opportunities in this growing sector.  Featuring strong government support and ambitious targets, the Nordic region presents a compelling market for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Offshore wind technology is progressing rapidly and attracting investment, positing itself as a critical pillar in the global transition to renewable energy. However, the sector faces notable challenges, including supply chain constraints, the need to attract and retain skilled talent, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, that must be addressed to fully realise its potential in the advancing energy security and climate objectives.

The European Union has set ambitious targets to achieve 300 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. This goal necessitates rapid deployment of renewable energy sources to ensure energy independence and security. The EU's commitment to offshore wind is reflected in national legislation and strategies across member states.

In focus: The Nordics and Ireland

• Denmark: A global leader in offshore wind, Denmark aims to increase capacity by targeting 9 GW of additional offshore wind by 2030. Islands like Bornholm and Hesselø are being developed into regional hubs for clean energy production and transmission.

• Norway: Norway is investing in offshore wind with a target of 30 GW by 2024, focusing on floating wind technology to leverage its deepwater coastal areas. The first project area, Sørlige Nordsjø II, was announced in 2023 and awarded in April 2024.

• Sweden: Sweden has ambitious plans to meet climate goals and growing electricity demand. Several projects are in the pipeline, supported by regulatory reforms and grid improvements, positioning Sweden as a potential significant exporter of green energy.

• Ireland: Ireland aims to deliver at least 5 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2023, with a longer-term ambition of 37 GW by 2050. The 'Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Industrial Strategy' launched in 2024 outlines 40 actions, with 38 underway or completed as of April 2025. 

This translates to Ireland seeing faster deployment of Offshore Wind infrastructure, empowering Irish companies to enter or expand in the sector both domestically and internationally. It also provides confidence for the Irish supply chain to continue to innovate.

Enterprise Ireland and Irish companies driving collaboration

Enterprise Ireland is focused on supporting Irish innovators in the wind sector and increasing collaboration to meet global and regional needs. The Gael Offshore Network, an initiative by Enterprise Ireland comprising over 90 member companies, aims to build and promote a competitive Irish supply chain for the offshore wind sector.

Reflecting on WindEurope 2025 held in Copenhagen, the event attracted close to 16,000 attendees, providing Irish companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services actively used in the global supply chain. Enterprise Ireland hosted a networking event at the Irish Embassy in Denmark, with over 80 attendees, including Irish companies, global developers, OEMs, and Tier 1 contractors from the offshore industry.

Enterprise Ireland works with some of Ireland’s most innovative companies in the wind sector, including XOCEAN, Akuray, Anecto, DP Energy, Source Galileo, TFI Marine, Techworks Marine, Simply Blue, MMG Ocean, PortWest Clothing, Combilift, John Paul Construction, Restore Blue, Green Rebel, H&MV Engineering, and Farra Marine, who were all in attendance at WindEurope 2025.

Nordic Opportunities

The ambition across the Nordic region and particularly in Denmark and Norway to increase offshore wind capacity presents substantial opportunities for Irish companies.

In 2023, the Nordics emerged as the fastest growing export region for Enterprise Ireland clients, with figures reaching €1.7bn for the first time, a 15% increase from the previous year.  Enterprise Ireland continues to support Irish firms in the Nordics through providing market intelligence, local introductions, in-market representation and events. Enterprise Ireland will lead a trade mission to Sweden in September, aimed at strengthening trade relationships, unlocking new market opportunities, and showcasing Irish capability in offshore wind.

The offshore wind sector presents significant opportunities for growth and collaboration. With a strong cluster approach and initiatives like the Gael Offshore Network, Irish companies are well prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities in the Nordic region and beyond.