New figures show that wind power continued to play a central role in Ireland’s energy mix during 2025, supplying approximately one third of all electricity generated across the island. The data highlights both the growing scale of renewable generation and the challenges facing the national grid.
According to Wind Energy Ireland’s latest annual report, the Republic of Ireland now has more than 5,000 megawatts of installed onshore wind capacity. Around 150 megawatts of new capacity was added over the past year, reflecting steady progress in expanding renewable infrastructure.
Wind farms produced an estimated 13,634 gigawatt hours of electricity during 2025. Kerry emerged as the country’s leading county for wind generation, with Cork and Galway also recording high output levels. These counties continue to benefit from favourable wind conditions and established renewable energy projects.
The final month of the year delivered a strong contribution from renewables. In December, wind accounted for 39% of Ireland’s electricity supply, while solar and other renewable sources added a further 4%. This brought the total renewable share to 43% for the month, underlining the increasing role of clean energy during peak winter demand.
Wind generation in December reached 1,523 gigawatt hours, making it the second highest December on record. This figure came close to the all time December peak of 1,819 gigawatt hours recorded in 2023.
The report also highlighted the link between renewable generation and electricity prices. On days with high wind output, the average cost of electricity fell to €76.41 per megawatt hour. On days when fossil fuels dominated the energy mix, average costs rose to €148.55 per megawatt hour, illustrating the economic value of renewable energy.
Wind Energy Ireland noted that over 450 megawatts of onshore wind projects are currently under construction, with a further 2,500 megawatts holding planning permission. This pipeline points to continued growth in renewable capacity over the coming years.
However, the report also flagged significant infrastructure challenges. Around 13% of the country’s lowest cost electricity was not used during the year because the grid lacked the capacity to transport all available wind power to homes and businesses. Strengthening the electricity network and expanding energy storage capacity were identified as critical priorities to reduce waste and support future demand.
For businesses and policymakers, the findings underline the importance of continued investment in grid upgrades and storage solutions to maximise the economic and environmental benefits of Ireland’s growing renewable energy sector.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.
