A groundbreaking milestone was reached in Ireland’s renewable energy journey in 2024, as wind farms played a crucial role in supplying nearly a third of the nation’s electricity. This achievement was highlighted in Wind Energy Ireland’s annual report released on January 9, 2025, showcasing the country’s significant progress towards a greener, more sustainable future. With wind energy accounting for 32% of Ireland’s electricity production, it is evident that the nation is at the forefront of embracing this clean and renewable technology.
Noel Cunniffe, the CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, expressed the importance of integrating more wind power into the national grid to reduce reliance on imported gas, cut carbon emissions, and boost the local economy. He emphasized that the continued growth of wind energy is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically advantageous for the country. However, despite the positive strides made in 2024, there was a slight setback, with a 3% drop in wind energy production compared to the previous year.
One of the primary reasons for this decline was the existing grid limitations that forced some wind farms to shut down at certain times. As a result, Ireland had to resort to importing more fossil fuels to meet its electricity demands, leading to increased costs and higher carbon emissions. To address this issue, Wind Energy Ireland is set to invest in enhancing the grid infrastructure in 2025, ensuring that the electricity network can accommodate the growing volumes of renewable energy effectively.
According to Cunniffe, strengthening the electricity grid and expanding energy storage capabilities are essential steps in maximizing the potential of wind power and other renewable energy sources. By storing excess renewable energy for future use, Ireland can further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move closer towards achieving its Climate Action Plan target of 9,000 MW of wind energy by 2030.
The report also highlighted a significant achievement in December 2024, with wind power generating 41% of Ireland’s electricity during that month, marking the second-highest December on record. This remarkable progress underscores the country’s commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape and meeting its renewable energy goals. Cunniffe commended the public’s strong support for clean energy initiatives, noting that Irish citizens are eager to embrace wind power and contribute to a more energy-independent and environmentally friendly Ireland.
As the nation continues to make strides in harnessing the power of wind energy, the future looks promising for a greener, more sustainable Ireland. With ongoing investments in grid infrastructure, energy storage solutions, and public support for clean energy initiatives, Ireland is well-positioned to lead the way in renewable energy production and pave the path towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.
