Ireland is making significant strides in its renewable energy journey, with notable advancements in both solar and wind sectors. In 2023, renewable energy sources contributed to 40.7% of the nation's electricity supply, up from 38.6% in 2022. Wind energy remained the predominant source, accounting for 33.7% of the electricity supply, while solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, though smaller, is on a promising upward trajectory, contributing 1.9%—enough to power the entire country for one full week.
The momentum continued into 2024, with the first half of the year witnessing a 75% surge in electricity generation from solar farms compared to the same period in 2023. This impressive growth elevated Solar’s share to 2.2% of utility-scale generation.
However, the journey is not without its challenges. In 2024, 14% (2.1 TWh) of renewable power across the island was dispatched down, primarily due to transmission constraints, with Northern Ireland experiencing particularly high levels. This underscores the pressing need for continued investment in grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing influx of renewable energy.
On the emissions front, preliminary data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates that power sector emissions for 2024 are estimated at 7.3 million tonnes of carbon pollution, a record low and 0.1 million tonnes lower than in 2023. Notably, there was a significant increase in electricity imports from the UK, totalling just over 5 TWh (about 14% of total Republic of Ireland demand). While carbon pollution from imported electricity is not counted in Ireland’s national inventories, the lower carbon content of UK electricity suggests an overall environmental benefit.
These developments highlight both the progress made and the challenges ahead in Ireland's renewable energy journey. The substantial growth in solar and wind energy, coupled with record-low power sector emissions, underscores the nation's commitment to a sustainable future. However, the increase in dispatched down energy and reliance on electricity imports emphasise the need for strategic investments in grid infrastructure and domestic renewable capacity to ensure energy security and environmental sustainability.
For the full data, please check:
SEAI: Electricity
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