Identifying the opportunities for the Offshore Wind supply chain across the island of Ireland
Published May 2025
Everoze was commissioned by InterTradeIreland to conduct a comprehensive study exploring the economic opportunities presented by the offshore wind and hydrogen sectors across the island of Ireland. This landmark report offers the first all-island mapping of SME capabilities within the burgeoning offshore wind sector, providing a strategic roadmap to harness their full potential.
Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland, emphasized the significance of the study: “This is the first time that SME capability in the renewable energy sector has been mapped across the island. There is a real opportunity for indigenous SMEs to enter the supply chain, which can be fully realised by working together on an all-island level. There are a number of recommendations that we, working with partners, can help deliver, including supporting SME engagement through cluster development, procurement guidance, skills alignment and R&D collaboration across the island.”
Download the full report from InterTradeIreland’s website.
Objectives
The study aimed to:
- Assess the current capabilities of SMEs in the offshore wind and hydrogen supply chains across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland;
- Identify complementary strengths and areas for collaboration between the two jurisdictions;
- Highlight infrastructural and skills-related challenges impeding sectoral growth; and
- Provide actionable recommendations to support SME engagement and development in these sectors.
Methodology
Everoze conducted an extensive analysis, reviewing the policy frameworks in Northern Ireland, and Ireland, assessing international case studies, mapping over 160 companies across 12 key supply chain sectors, including engineering, logistics, vessel operations, and cable manufacturing. The study combined insights from both bottom up data collection and international exemplars, such as Denmark’s Esbjerg, to inform best practices and strategic approaches.
Key Findings
- Significant SME Potential: The island possesses a robust base of SMEs with capabilities relevant to offshore wind and hydrogen sectors, indicating strong potential for supply chain development.
- Complementary Strengths: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland exhibit complementary strengths in various sectors, suggesting that collaborative efforts could yield a globally competitive supply chain.
- Infrastructure and Skills Gaps: Challenges such as limited infrastructure capacity and skills shortages were identified as barriers to sectoral growth.
Recommendations
To capitalize on the identified opportunities, the report recommends:
- Cluster Development: Fostering SME engagement through the development of industry clusters to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing;
- Procurement Support: Providing support and clearer pathways to assist SMEs in navigating entry into the offshore wind market;
- Skills Alignment: Aligning educational and training programs with industry needs to address the skills gap; and
- R&D Collaboration: Encouraging research and development partnerships across the island to drive innovation.
Impact
The study has been instrumental in informing policy and strategic initiatives aimed at developing the offshore wind and hydrogen sectors. It has received endorsements from key stakeholders, including InterTradeIreland and governmental departments, underscoring its significance in shaping the island’s renewable energy landscape.
Conclusion
Everoze’s study underscores the potential opportunity for SMEs across the island of Ireland to play a pivotal role in the energy transition, particularly in the offshore wind sector. By addressing sectoral challenges through a coordinated, collaborative, all-island approach, there is a unique opportunity to establish a globally competitive supply chain that drives economic growth and supports the transition to a low-carbon future.
