Ireland reaches 8GW of onshore renewable electricity generation – securing our future with homegrown renewables
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Ireland has doubled wind energy capacity over the past 10 years
The rapidly growing solar sector is now Ireland’s third largest source of indigenous electricity generation
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, has announced that Ireland has reached a major milestone in its clean energy transition, achieving 8GW of installed renewable electricity capacity, marking a significant step forward in the transition to securing our future with homegrown renewable electricity.
According to provisional data from EirGrid, almost 50% of electricity came from renewable sources in February, as a new peak for wind energy was recorded.
Ireland is set to continue building on this achievement, with government policies, grid enhancements, and new project development creating opportunities for jobs, investments, and a more stable economy.
Minister O'Brien said:
"I welcome the data from ESB Networks confirming that Ireland has reached 8GW of renewable electricity – a landmark achievement for Ireland and a clear sign of our commitment to building a cleaner, more secure energy future. This progress reflects the dedication of communities, industry, and government working together to accelerate our energy transition.
"At this time of global energy uncertainty and rising prices, expanding our homegrown renewable capacity is not only good for the climate – it is essential for delivering long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses. It’s now more important than ever that we reduce Ireland’s exposure to imported fossil fuel price shocks.
"Under the Programme for Government, Ireland is committed to accelerating the delivery of renewables and expanding grid infrastructure. Key commitments are in place to achieve this, such as annual RESS auctions, and approved government investment of €3.5 billion in the two System Operators, ESB Networks and Eirgrid, representing the largest single investment in Ireland’s electricity grid in history."
Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director, ESB Networks, emphasised the importance of continuing to build on this accomplishment – saying:
"Surpassing 8 GW of renewable electricity generation connected to the electricity network is a major milestone. This includes wind, solar, hydro, and other renewable technologies. ESB Networks is proud of the progress made in connecting renewable electricity generation and also the recognises the success of the renewable industry in bringing forward a pipeline of successful projects. 189 MW of wind and solar power were connected in the first two months of 2026, which bodes well for the year ahead. It reflects our commitment to deliver electrical infrastructure at pace and enable the transition to a cleaner, greener future."
Onshore wind has long been the backbone of Ireland’s renewable electricity generation. Ireland receives more electricity from onshore wind farms than any other country in Europe. EirGrid has just released provisional data showing that wind energy was Ireland’s largest source of electricity generation in February, supplying 41% ahead of gas generation at 37%. Solar energy has seen rapid growth over recent years and has become the fastest growing source of renewable electricity in Ireland. It already provides the third highest share of indigenous electricity generation to the grid.
EirGrid CEO, Cathal Marley said:
"It's positive to see continued progress and a critical milestone reached. Together we are facilitating increased renewable integration and working with customers to facilitate connections as we work towards a cleaner energy future. EirGrid will continue to innovate as we progress our most ambitious programme of infrastructure works ever, to ensure a more resilient, secure and renewable led power system."
Government schemes such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Renewable Electricity Feed in Tariff (REFIT) incentivise the development of clean energy projects, which have been instrumental in surpassing the 8GW milestone. The five onshore RESS auctions held since September 2020 have been fundamental in boosting Ireland’s energy independence, with a sixth auction due to take place this year.
Ireland is also making significant progress in delivering on the offshore wind potential, with five projects in development on the east coast, while the Tonn Nua auction last year procured another 900MW for development off the south coast. Work is underway to deliver a further three south coast sites to market, while a National Designated Maritime Area Plan is being developed to ensure the strategic, sustainable, and managed development of future offshore wind projects.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
The Programme for Government has reaffirmed Ireland's targets of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewables in the near term, with plans to move to net zero by 2050.
Grid infrastructure
Three cross-government taskforces, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (onshore), the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, and the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce continue to ensure delivery of required renewable electricity generation capacity and a fit-for-purpose grid.
Delivery of electricity grid infrastructure is a priority for Ireland. Last year the Commission Regulation of Utilities (CRU) approved plans for a proposed €18 billion investment in our electricity grid out to 2030. ESB Networks and EirGrid have identified over 500 projects to strengthen the grid, connect renewables, and support ongoing electrification. As part of the National Development Plan, and to underpin the €18 billion, government approved a €3.5 billion investment in the two System Operators, representing the largest single investment in Ireland's electricity grid in history.
Price Review 6
On 16 December, the CRU published their Final Determination on Price Review 6. PR6 will deliver upon the Programme for Government priority to ensure that the necessary investment is made in the electricity grid.
This is a landmark investment of up to €18.9 billion approved by CRU covering the next five years to upgrade Ireland’s existing electricity infrastructure and deliver critical new infrastructure to meet future demand.
This will enable the delivery of major upgrades and developments to the electricity network, facilitating housing growth, heat and transport electrification, while driving industrial and economic growth in Ireland.
Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS)
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland's flagship support scheme for grid-scale renewable electricity generators and has been a key driver of Ireland's renewables success story so far.
RESS has been instrumental in providing a supportive policy environment for Ireland's growing renewables sector since the first auction in 2020. The scheme aligns closely with the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce through the range of consumer protection measures included in the auction design, including the two-way contract for difference mechanism, as well as by being the primary means of delivering the long-term energy transition and associated benefits for consumers.