- Wind power supplied 32% of Ireland’s electricity demand in the first 11 months of 2024, with strong winds in November contributing 29% of clean energy.
- Despite progress, 14% of wind energy was lost due to grid constraints, highlighting the need for investment in grid infrastructure and energy storage.
Wind energy has accounted for 32% of Ireland’s electricity demand during the first 11 months of 2024, according to new data from Wind Energy Ireland. This marks a significant contribution to the country’s renewable energy goals, although there were challenges in harnessing wind power during some periods.
Wind Energy Ireland’s latest report reveals that despite a decrease in wind power generation compared to previous Novembers, the second half of the month saw a resurgence of strong winds, with wind farms generating 29% of Ireland’s clean electricity in November alone. Solar and other renewable sources provided 3% of the country’s power last month.
The report highlights regional variations in wind power generation, with Kerry maintaining its position as Ireland’s top producer of wind energy. Wind farms in Kerry generated 127 GWh of electricity, followed closely by Cork with 123 GWh and Mayo with 69 GWh. For the second time since Wind Energy Ireland began publishing county-level generation data in partnership with Green Collective, Galway and Tipperary tied for fourth place, generating 64 GWh.
However, despite wind energy’s growing contribution, challenges remain in optimizing its potential. Wind Energy Ireland also reported that the average wholesale price of electricity in November was €146.14 per megawatt-hour, the highest in the past year. Interestingly, the days with the highest wind power generation saw a significant reduction in electricity prices, dropping by 26% to €108.84 per megawatt-hour. On the other hand, days when the country was forced to rely on fossil fuels saw prices surge to €196.81 per megawatt-hour.
A primary concern highlighted in the report is the continuing issue of wasted energy due to grid constraints. Over the first ten months of 2024, approximately 14% of wind energy was lost because of transmission network limitations. This issue arises when the grid cannot handle the excess wind power generated, forcing wind farms to reduce output or shut down altogether. As a result, more expensive fossil fuels are used to meet demand, undermining renewable energy’s environmental and economic benefits.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, stressed the need for a stronger and more resilient electricity grid to accommodate the growing renewable energy generation. “When our wind and solar farms are generating electricity, we need a robust grid to ensure we can use it,” he said. “We also need long-duration energy storage to save excess renewable energy for when it is needed.”
Cunniffe called for cross-party political support for strengthening Ireland’s electricity grid, urging that grid investment be prioritized in the upcoming government negotiations. “Investing in our electricity grid is a vital investment in our future,” he added.