Offshore wind farms are the State's 21st century Ardnacrusha project, according to the Minister for Energy.
Eamon Ryan was speaking after the Government approved the first mega windfarm off the east coast.
It's been described by the Government as a generational project similar to when the State invested heavily in Ardnacrusha.
The Tánaiste has said Ireland has Ireland has the potential to be a green energy superpower largely through offshore windfarms, with the first being provisionally approved for off the east coast yesterday.
However, there are concerns about the planning - both for the environmental impact on sea life and the impact large farms may have on the landscape across the east coast.
The planning too - with the under fire An Bord Pleanála the body due to adjudicate on planning applications.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan says the plan is to reduce gas dependence to 20% by 2030 and eventually to zero.
