Ireland now boasts 8 GW of installed onshore renewable electricity generation capacity, which represents a ‘major milestone’ in the country’s clean energy transition, the government has said.
According to data from ESB Networks and EirGrid, which manage the country’s electricity network and transmission system, close to half of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources in February, a month that saw wind generation reach a new peak.
‘A landmark achievement’
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, described the 8 GW milestone as “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.”
O’Brien added that Ireland is committed to “accelerating the delivery of renewables and expanding grid infrastructure, with support mechanisms such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Renewable Electricity Feed in Tariff (REFIT) providing financial incentives for renewable energy products.
Wind energy
As EirGrid’s data shows, wind energy was the largest single source of electricity generation in Ireland in February, accounting for 41% of total generation, and ahead of gas generation (37%). Solar, too, has seen ‘rapid growth’ in Ireland in recent years, and is now the third-largest source of domestic electricity generation.
During the first two months of 2026, some 189 MW of wind and solar generation capacity were connected to Ireland’s national electricity network, which “bodes well for the year ahead,” added Nicholas Tarrant, managing director, ESB Networks.
“It reflects our commitment to deliver electrical infrastructure at pace and enable the transition to a cleaner, greener future.”
Ireland has set the target of achieving 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources in near term, while the country has also committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of its long-term climate policy. Read more here.
