Work

Barriers and drivers for tidal energy development: A case study of Ireland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: European member states have set ambitious targets to meet their climate goals and decarbonise their energy sector. These included development plans for the marine environment, knowing its potential in harnessing Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) through wind, wave and tidal resources. The latter is becoming highly attractive due to its predictability, reliability and potential to answer communities’ energy needs, but it is still associated with several challenges that are often overlooked. This paper aims to identify the barriers and drivers for tidal energy development in Ireland through semi-structured interviews with key local and regional stakeholders in the ORE field, which are then analysed following Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis approach. The main challenges for tidal energy development revolve around the uncertainties and complexities surrounding the existing regulatory framework in terms of marine spatial planning and planning processes, in addition to the technology’s high cost, limited competitiveness with other Renewable sources and lack of resources in State Agencies and Departments. Moreover, community objections, socio-economic interests and supply chains issues play a key role in project delays. Nevertheless, the technology offers undervalued advantages in terms of its predictability and reliability, particularly in remote and islanded communities. Building on the dynamic nature of the ORE regulatory developments in Ireland, interviews revealed the need to provide better clarity and faster action at all levels of the ORE value chain. This cannot happen without providing incentives, enhancing awareness and community participation, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Source: Energy Strategy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2026.102204

Authors: Marc Ayoub, Gesche Kindermann, Marie-Christin Lanser

Institution: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

Language: English

Topic: Wave and Wind Energy Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,180