Wind energy's contribution to Ireland’s electricity supply declined in 2024 due to grid constraints, according to Wind Energy Ireland.
While wind power accounted for nearly one-third of all electricity on the island, its share fell by 3% compared to 2023, primarily because wind farms were shut down as the grid couldn’t accommodate the energy produced.
The organization’s annual report also pointed to rising electricity costs, with average wholesale prices climbing to €136.99 per megawatt-hour in December, up from €88.97 in December 2023.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, called 2024 "the worst year on record" for wind energy losses.
“Every time a wind turbine is switched off because the grid cannot manage the electricity, it results in higher bills for consumers and increased carbon emissions,” Cunniffe explained. “Strengthening the grid is essential to support growing renewable energy volumes, and we must also invest in energy storage solutions to retain surplus renewable energy for future use.”
The report highlighted funding announced in Budget 2025, which is expected to improve grid infrastructure.
In 2024, wind power supplied 32% of Ireland’s electricity, rising to 41% in December. Cork led wind energy production, followed by Kerry, Galway, and Offaly, which entered the top four for the first time.
Ireland’s onshore wind capacity has reached 5,000 MW, surpassing the halfway mark toward the Climate Action Plan’s target of 9,000 MW by 2030. Last year, Irish wind farms generated 13,258 GWh of electricity—more than 1.5 times the total consumption of all residential customers.
Data for the report was sourced from EirGrid’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, ElectroRoute market data, and county-level wind generation figures from Green Collective.
Cunniffe reiterated the public’s demand for renewable energy. “Expanding Ireland’s renewable energy sector will drive energy independence, reduce emissions, provide warm homes, and support our growing economy,” he said.