New report confirms record-breaking year for wind energy

Wind now provides a quarter of Ireland’s electricity

Today’s Energy in Ireland 2018 report from the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) confirms wind is driving Ireland’s energy future with a record amount of wind installed last year.

Key findings from 2017 for wind include:

• Record amount of wind energy installed at 532 MW;
• Wind energy provided a quarter of Ireland’s electricity in 2017 and more than 70 per cent at one point in April;
• Carbon emissions avoided because of wind amounted to 2,698 kt CO2;
• More than €220 million of foreign fossil fuel imports prevented by wind energy;
• Wind energy is responsible for more than half of Ireland’s contribution towards our 2020 renewable energy target.

Dr David Connolly, Chief Executive of IWEA, said: “Wind is leading Ireland’s energy transition and the fight against climate change.

“Today’s report confirms the enormous contribution wind energy is making to cutting carbon emissions, reducing our dependence on foreign imports and achieving our EU energy targets.

“Last year we set a new record for volume of wind energy installed on the system. We’re determined to do even better in the years to come and we’re on track to provide 30 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in 2019.

“We know that wind, alongside other renewable technologies like solar, batteries and greater interconnection can provide 70 per cent of our electricity by 2030.

“We would urge Minister Bruton to confirm his determination to make Ireland a leader in the fight against climate change by setting this target in the coming National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).”