Renewable Electricity

Renewable energy is energy, specifically electricity, generated using the earth’s natural resources - wind and sunlight are some examples - which naturally replenish and cannot be exhausted.

Unlike traditional energy sources that rely on sources that are finite and are not being replenished - fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, renewable energy sources are sustainable and far less harmful to the environment. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases – such as carbon dioxide – that contribute significantly to climate change. In contrast, renewable energy generation produces significantly lower emissions. For this reason, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential in addressing the climate crisis.

• Solar Energy
  Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity which can be used by households and businesses, lowering electricity bills whilst producing no greenhouse gases. More information on solar energy is available from SEAI.
  

• Wind Energy
  Wind turbines capture the energy from moving air, which pushes the blades on the turbine; this mechanical energy can then be converted into electrical energy which is transmitted through power lines to homes and businesses. SEAI has more information on wind energy in Ireland.
  
  
  
• Geothermal Heat
  Geothermal energy is heat stored beneath our feet in the Earth's surface. Unlike solar or wind energy, which vary according to weather conditions, geothermal energy is always available. It is a reliable and sustainable, low carbon energy source.
  

• Bioenergy
  Bioenergy is the energy created through the burning of biomass fuels, such as organic waste, harvest residues and purpose grown crops. Bioenergy must be produced and used sustainably in order to benefit our climate.
  

• Hydropower
  Hydropower is gained from the flow of fast moving or falling water through a turbine. Electricity can by stored by having pumped water stored in an elevated reservoir which then can be released as needed. Ardnacrusha power plant on the Shannon is Ireland's largest river hydroelectric scheme, with Turlough Hill in Wicklow being the only pumped storage hydroelectric plant.

• To combat climate change - renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a sustainable future.
• To improve energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• To meet global climate agreements and sustainability targets.
• To improve public health by reducing air pollution.
• To provide a stable supply of indigenous and affordable energy.

Climate Goals & Emissions Reduction

• Supporting Ireland’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Decreasing dependence on coal, peat, oil and gas.

Energy Security

• Reduces the reliance on fossil fuel markets.
• Renewable energy sources reduce exposure to geopolitical energy crises and promote a stable, indigenous supply.

Economic Growth & Jobs

• Renewable sectors create jobs.
• Empower local economies and foster community investment.

Rural Development

• Community energy projects give rural communities income and can provide energy independence.
• Wind farms and solar installations can coexist with agriculture.

Over the past 20 years, Ireland’s renewables capacity has risen sharply, from under 500 MW of renewables installed in 2005 to over 5,000 MW of wind power alone in 2025. Hydro has remained steady at around 2-3% of demand over this time, while biomass has grown gradually since the mid-2010s. Solar generation has increased exponentially in recent times from zero in 2010 to over 2,000 MW installed by the end of 2025.

Ireland continues to lead globally in wind energy generation and the integration of renewable electricity onto the grid. In 2023, wind energy contributed 33.7% of Ireland’s electricity generation, with an additional 7% supplied by other renewable sources like solar, hydro and biomass.

In 2024, Ireland’s energy-related emissions fell by 1.5% compared to 2023, reaching their lowest level in over 30 years. Emissions have declined each year for the past three years, representing an 11.6% reduction since 2021.

The electricity sector saw a 22% drop in emissions, driven by an increase in renewable electricity generation from 38.6% in 2022 to 40.7% in 2023.

For the latest assessment of our progress to date and the actions that are planned for the future, please refer to our Climate Action Plan 2025 here.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is carrying out a Decarbonised Electricity System Study on behalf of the Department to chart viable pathways for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from Ireland’s electricity system. This study is a key component of the government’s Climate Action Plan. There are multiple stages to this study, with outputs scheduled up to the end of 2026[DM1] . Further information and updates on this study can be found on the SEAI website here: Decarbonised electricity system study | Renewable Energy | SEAI

Ireland has several renewable energy support schemes designed to encourage the development and adoption of clean energy sources such as wind and solar.

Support schemes help make renewable energy projects more affordable by offering guaranteed prices for the electricity produced. In doing so, they make it attractive for developers, businesses, and communities to invest in clean energy. These schemes help to kick-start and run renewable energy projects around the country, which in turn helps reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels and pushes us closer towards achieving our climate goals.

Support is typically offered by the government in a number of ways depending on the scheme, it can be through subsidies, feed-in tariffs, grants or contracts for difference. Overall, these schemes encourage investment, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make our energy more sustainable for future generations.

Some examples of renewable electricity support schemes include:

• The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS)
• The Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS)
• The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT)
• The Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS)
• The Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS)