Coal Fades As Ireland Hungers For Wind And Solar Revolution

How is Ireland transforming its energy environment? The Emerald Isle is making big strides toward cleaner power as coal fades and renewable sources take center stage. In 2023, renewable energy supplied 40.7% of Ireland’s electricity, up from 38.6% in 2022. This green shift is picking up speed in 2025.

Wind power remains Ireland’s renewable champion, providing 33.7% of total electricity in 2023. In the first three months of 2025, wind farms delivered an impressive 38% of the country’s electricity needs. These spinning turbines are essential for cutting carbon emissions and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Wind power dominates Ireland’s renewable landscape, cutting carbon and reducing fossil fuel imports with every turning blade.

Solar power is Ireland’s fastest-growing energy source. In May 2025, grid-scale solar generated 6.5% of total electricity, more than doubling the 2.7% contribution from May 2023. A new record was set on May 17, 2025, when solar output peaked at 755 megawatts. Solar energy works well with wind power, providing balance when winds are calm. Like Southern California’s impressive 600MW capacity projects, Ireland’s solar installations are becoming economic powerhouses for local communities.

Ireland isn’t just making progress – it’s aiming high. The government’s Climate Action Plan targets 80% renewable electricity by 2030. This includes ambitious goals for 9 gigawatts of onshore wind, 8 gigawatts of solar, and at least 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity.

The renewable evolution extends beyond electricity. Heat from renewable sources reached 7.9% in 2023, up from 6.3% in 2020. This sector relies mainly on biomass and waste in industry, while heat pumps for homes have grown five-fold in the past decade.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Ireland must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, but current trends suggest it’s falling short. The country also needs to meet EU requirements for at least 42.5% renewables in total energy consumption by 2030. The electricity grid has been upgraded to handle up to 75% renewable sources while maintaining stability.

As more wind farms connect to the grid and solar installations multiply, Ireland’s energy framework continues its green transformation, bringing cleaner air and greater energy independence. The economy benefits significantly as wholesale electricity prices dropped to €131.80 per megawatt-hour in March when wind generation was high.