- Irish wind farms provided almost 34% of the country’s electricity in 2022.
- Ireland would have had to spend an additional €1.65 billion (£1.4bn) on gas for power generation in 2022.
Ireland‘s wind power generation reached new highs last year as Irish wind farms provided almost 34% of the country’s electricity, up four points in 2021.
A report released by energy specialists suggested that without this type of renewable energy, Ireland would have had to spend an additional €1.65 billion (£1.4bn) on gas for power generation in 2022 and an extra €340 million (£300m) on carbon credits to produce electricity by burning that gas.
Experts added that on a single day sometime around the first quarter of 2022, the combination of high winds and soaring gas prices delivered a total avoided cost of €43 million (£38m) in just 24 hours.
The report also suggested that February saw the most significant monthly wind generation, with a total cost saving of €360 million (£318m) across the island.
Chief Executive Officer of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe, said: “The best way out of this energy crisis is to accelerate the development of renewable energy, to ensure more of our power is provided here, at home, creating Irish jobs and supporting local communities.”