Wind Energy Powers Ireland to Renewable Energy Target

New figures show 40% of Ireland’s power came from renewables in 2020

New figures published today by the SEAI show that Ireland has reached its national target to provide 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2020. Wind energy made this achievement possible by providing 36 per cent of the country’s power last year.

Under the EU Renewable Energy Directive Ireland has a legally binding 16 per cent renewable energy target for 2020. To achieve this, the Irish Government aimed for 12 per cent renewable heat, 10 per cent renewable transport and 40 per cent renewable electricity.

Today’s SEAI figures show that we achieved our renewable electricity ambition of 40 per cent although Ireland will miss the overall target due to shortfalls in heat and transport.

Dr David Connolly, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Wind energy has transformed Ireland’s electricity system over the last ten years. It cuts millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions – more every year – and reduces our dependency on foreign fossil fuels.

“Wind energy led the way to today’s success and this provides a firm foundation on which to build towards our 2030 targets and, eventually, a fully decarbonised electricity system. Wind, onshore and offshore, solar, battery storage and other new technologies will enable us to build a zero-carbon electricity system in Ireland.

“We are incredibly proud of the contribution our members have made but it was possible because of the work of EirGrid, ESBN Networks and the CRU in developing the grid and integrating renewable energy in such volumes.

“It is also to the credit of Minister Eamon Ryan that the supports he put in place for renewable electricity when he was last in this department are what enabled us to develop the 4,200 MW of onshore wind energy which delivered this target.”

According to today’s SEAI figures electricity generation in Ireland in 2020 was 29,588 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. Wind energy provided 10,729 GWh, hydro electricity 917 GWh and other renewables 256 GWh for a cumulative total of 11,902 GWh. This gives a demand share of 40.2 per cent for renewable electricity. Wind energy provided 36.3 per cent.