Provisional data from grid operator EirGrid reveals that renewable sources provided more than half of Ireland’s total electricity demand in February, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition.
Wind power alone contributed almost half of Ireland’s electricity needs, accounting for just over 48% of total electricity usage. This amounted to 1,411 GWh of wind-generated power over the month, with a new record for wind power generation set on February 13, when a peak of 3,884 Megawatts was reached.
Overall, renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower, provided 54.5% of Ireland’s electricity in February. The total electricity demand for the month stood at 2,918 GWh, with gas-fired generation contributing 31% of the country’s electricity consumption. Additionally, 12% of electricity was imported via interconnection, 2% came from coal, and 1% was sourced from other energy forms.
EirGrid is tasked with overseeing Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future, aiming for 80% of the country’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, in line with government targets. Currently, the electricity grid can accommodate up to 75% of electricity from renewable sources at any given time, a limit known as the system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP). EirGrid is working to increase this limit further.
Charlie McGee, System Operational Manager at EirGrid, commented: “February was one of our strongest months on record for renewables on the grid, as demonstrated by the new peak wind record of 3,884 Megawatts on the evening of 13 February. As ever, this was supported by a mix of generation sources which help to ensure a stable flow of power at all times on the grid.”
