Ireland reaches 8GW renewable electricity milestone as wind and solar capacity accelerate
Installed renewable capacity doubles in a decade as wind supplies 41% of electricity and solar becomes fastest growing source
12 March 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Ireland has reached 8GW of installed renewable electricity generation capacity, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition and reflecting a decade of rapid growth in wind and solar power.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment confirmed the milestone on Thursday, with provisional data from EirGrid showing that renewable sources supplied almost 50% of Ireland’s electricity in February. Wind energy alone accounted for 41% of generation, ahead of gas at 37%.
The 8GW figure represents a doubling of Ireland’s wind energy capacity over the past ten years and signals continued expansion of indigenous electricity generation as the State moves towards its renewable energy targets.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien said the achievement demonstrates the scale of Ireland’s transition to domestically produced clean energy.
He said the milestone shows Ireland’s commitment to building “a cleaner, more secure energy future” while reducing exposure to imported fossil fuels and volatile global energy markets.
“At this time of global energy uncertainty and rising prices, expanding our homegrown renewable capacity is not only good for the climate – it is essential for delivering long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses,” the minister said.
According to ESB Networks, renewable capacity connected to the electricity network now includes wind, solar, hydro and other renewable technologies. A further 189MW of wind and solar generation was connected during the first two months of 2026.
Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, said the milestone reflects strong project development across the sector and continued expansion of grid infrastructure to facilitate renewable connections.
“Surpassing 8GW of renewable electricity generation connected to the electricity network is a major milestone. It reflects our commitment to deliver electrical infrastructure at pace and enable the transition to a cleaner, greener future,” he said.
Onshore wind remains the backbone of Ireland’s renewable electricity system. Ireland currently generates a larger share of electricity from onshore wind than any other country in Europe.
Solar energy has also expanded rapidly and is now the third largest source of indigenous electricity generation in Ireland, making it the fastest growing renewable technology on the system.
EirGrid chief executive Cathal Marley said the system operator is continuing to expand and modernise grid infrastructure to support growing levels of renewable generation.
“We are facilitating increased renewable integration and working with customers to facilitate connections as we work towards a cleaner energy future,” he said.
Government policy supports such as the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the earlier Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) have been key drivers of project delivery. Five onshore RESS auctions have taken place since 2020, with a sixth scheduled later this year.
Investment in electricity infrastructure is also increasing to support the energy transition. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities has approved plans for up to €18.9 billion in grid investment over the next five years under Price Review 6.
More than 500 electricity network projects have been identified by ESB Networks and EirGrid to strengthen the grid, connect renewable generation and support increased electrification of transport, heating and industry.
Offshore wind development is also progressing, with five projects currently in development off Ireland’s east coast. The Tonn Nua auction last year secured a further 900MW of offshore capacity for development off the south coast, with additional sites expected to be brought to market as part of the emerging National Designated Maritime Area Plan.
Ireland’s Programme for Government commits the State to generating 80% of electricity from renewable sources in the near term, with a national target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
