Renewables provided close to half (46.7%) of Ireland’s total electricity demand in December 2024, according to provisional data from grid operator EirGrid.
Wind farms accounted for 40% of all electricity generated in Ireland, with total generation from wind energy totalling 1,287 GWh (Gigawatt hours) during the month, the data showed.
Solar energy (excluding rooftop-generated solar) and hydropower also contributed to renewable energy generation during the period.
Electricity demand in December
Overall electricity demand in Ireland stood at 3,110 GWh for the month of December, with gas accounting for 38% of all electricity used during the month.
Some 12% of electricity used was imported via interconnection, with 2% coming from coal, and 1% from other sources, such as peat, distillate, and combined heat and power (CHP).
Wind energy
“Wind energy contributed strongly to electricity generation last month, marking one of the highest December figures for wind energy generation on record, according to provisional data,” commented Diarmaid Gillespie, director of system operations at EirGrid.
According to EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity grid can accommodate up to 75% of electricity from renewable sources, due to the current system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) limit.
EirGrid is seeking to further increase the SNSP limit as part of the country’s transition to a low-carbon future, in which 80% of electricity can come from renewables, in line with government targets.
Cumulative data on electricity generation for 2024 is subject to finalisation and reporting by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). As part of the data, the SEAI will include some non-centrally monitored generation (such as small scale combined heat and power and microgeneration) which will impact the annual cumulative figures. Read more here.
