Irish wind farms set new March record

Wind generation in Ireland hit a new record for a March month according to Wind Energy Ireland, which today published its monthly wind energy report. The latest figures show that Irish wind farms generated 1,541 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power in March 2024, surpassing the previous record of 1,392 GWh set in March 2020, with Kerry providing more clean power than any other county.

Wind energy provided 43 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in last month while the report also showed the average wholesale price of electricity in March 2024 was €88.67, down 40 per cent from €145.25 in March 2023.

For the first time, as part of a partnership with Green Collective, the report also includes generation figures at a county level and identified the top five counties in Ireland for clean energy.

Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs, Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Our members provided 43 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in March and the amount of wind power generated was up significantly when compared to the same month last year. Irish wind farms produce power without burning imported fossil fuels, which means we can cut our carbon emissions at the same time as we cut our fuel imports.

“Every time a wind turbine is generating electricity it is reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, helping to push down wholesale electricity prices and increasing our supply of clean energy to power our homes, businesses and local communities.”

Justin Moran continued: “The quicker we can build wind farms, the sooner we can help to bring down the cost of electricity and support struggling electricity consumers.

“We hope to see the new Planning and Development Bill enacted this year which will help to modernise the Irish planning system and ensure that planning applications are thoroughly, but quickly, examined.

“To build a zero-carbon electricity system, we also need a grid to support it and we are encouraging people to support the BuildOurGrid.ie campaign and ensure their elected representatives are supporting projects like the North-South Interconnector which are essential to a modern Irish electricity grid.”

Kerry wind farms produced the most power

The report found that county Kerry produced the most wind power last month (187 GWh), followed by Cork (163 GWh) and Tipperary (106 GWh). Together, the top three counties provided nearly a third of Ireland's wind power.

Justin Moran concluded: “Irish wind farms, and particularly those in Kerry, are playing an enormous part in reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions by over 4 million tonnes a year and creating significant opportunities in job creation and funding for rural communities.

“As new wind farms connect to the grid the amount of money invested by our members in local communities will only grow. By developing our renewable energy sector, we can build an Ireland that is energy independent, delivering warmer homes and cleaner air.”

The results of this report are based on EirGrid’s SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid, market data provided by ElectroRoute and SEMO daily metered generated data compiled by Green Collective.