19/05/2026
Wind Tops Ireland's April Power Mix As Renewables Near 50%
Wind was the largest single source of power last month, according to the system operator's latest data. It marked the third consecutive month in which renewables met around half of demand, reflecting ongoing progress in integrating green electricity onto Ireland's grid.
EirGrid said system developments have already enabled up to 75% of electricity demand to be met instantaneously by variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, and a major work programme is under way to increase that limit to 95%.
Year on year, April 2026 saw a higher contribution from wind and solar than April 2025. Metered data indicates wind provided 33% and grid‑scale solar 0.9% in April last year. In April 2026, total output reached 1,078 GWh from wind and 163 GWh from grid‑scale solar, compared with 761 GWh and 119 GWh respectively in April 2025.
Elsewhere in the mix for April 2026, gas accounted for 35% of electricity used, while 16% was imported via interconnectors. Total system demand was 2,865 GWh, down from 3,142 GWh in March.
Solar power set new records during the month, with Ireland surpassing 1 GW of grid‑scale solar generation for the first time. A peak of 1,021 MW was recorded on Monday 20 April at 12.19pm, followed by 1,087 MW on Friday 24 April at 12.08pm and a further record of 1,133 MW on Saturday 25 April at 2.14pm. EirGrid estimates 1 GW is enough to power around 500,000 customers, attributing the milestone to the growing number of large solar farms connected to the system.
Diarmaid Gillespie, EirGrid's Director of System Operations, said: "It's positive to see that this was the third consecutive month where almost half of Ireland's electricity was generated by renewables. Wind continues to be the largest contributor, but the growth of solar in Ireland's fuel mix if noteworthy as we head into the summer months."
EirGrid balances supply and demand around the clock from its National Control Centre while planning for Ireland's long‑term electricity needs.
EirGrid said system developments have already enabled up to 75% of electricity demand to be met instantaneously by variable renewable sources such as wind and solar, and a major work programme is under way to increase that limit to 95%.
Year on year, April 2026 saw a higher contribution from wind and solar than April 2025. Metered data indicates wind provided 33% and grid‑scale solar 0.9% in April last year. In April 2026, total output reached 1,078 GWh from wind and 163 GWh from grid‑scale solar, compared with 761 GWh and 119 GWh respectively in April 2025.
Solar power set new records during the month, with Ireland surpassing 1 GW of grid‑scale solar generation for the first time. A peak of 1,021 MW was recorded on Monday 20 April at 12.19pm, followed by 1,087 MW on Friday 24 April at 12.08pm and a further record of 1,133 MW on Saturday 25 April at 2.14pm. EirGrid estimates 1 GW is enough to power around 500,000 customers, attributing the milestone to the growing number of large solar farms connected to the system.
Diarmaid Gillespie, EirGrid's Director of System Operations, said: "It's positive to see that this was the third consecutive month where almost half of Ireland's electricity was generated by renewables. Wind continues to be the largest contributor, but the growth of solar in Ireland's fuel mix if noteworthy as we head into the summer months."
EirGrid balances supply and demand around the clock from its National Control Centre while planning for Ireland's long‑term electricity needs.
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Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
08 October 2015
Decision Over Maighne Wind Farm Application Extended
An Bord Pleanála have extended their decision time over the Maighne Wind Farm application in Co Kildare. General election candidate Cllr James Lawless said the vast number of submissions in objection to Maighne Wind Farm show how passionate and angry the residents of Kildare North are towards the potentially unwanted wind farm.
Decision Over Maighne Wind Farm Application Extended
An Bord Pleanála have extended their decision time over the Maighne Wind Farm application in Co Kildare. General election candidate Cllr James Lawless said the vast number of submissions in objection to Maighne Wind Farm show how passionate and angry the residents of Kildare North are towards the potentially unwanted wind farm.
23 September 2013
Offaly Co Council Urges Caution On Wind Farms
A "precautionary approach" to large-scale wind farms has been urged by Offaly County Council in a submission to the Department of the Environment, who are currently carrying out a review of wind energy guidelines.
Offaly Co Council Urges Caution On Wind Farms
A "precautionary approach" to large-scale wind farms has been urged by Offaly County Council in a submission to the Department of the Environment, who are currently carrying out a review of wind energy guidelines.
13 February 2015
Dublin Council Commits To Solar Energy
Dublin City Council is to invest more in solar energy production this year, following a report that showed the city is a suitable location for the renewable energy source. A new 'IBM Smarter Cities Challenge' report has been published by the City Council. It said investing in solar energy production could pay for itself in seven to 13 years.
Dublin Council Commits To Solar Energy
Dublin City Council is to invest more in solar energy production this year, following a report that showed the city is a suitable location for the renewable energy source. A new 'IBM Smarter Cities Challenge' report has been published by the City Council. It said investing in solar energy production could pay for itself in seven to 13 years.
04 January 2011
Moon Eclipses Return To Work
This morning's return to work featured an astronomical event, as an eclipse of the sun greeted morning commuters across parts of Ireland. The partial eclipse was visible between 8.30am and 9.30am for those with a clear view of the north-eastern horizon, despite cloudy conditions obscuring the view of some.
Moon Eclipses Return To Work
This morning's return to work featured an astronomical event, as an eclipse of the sun greeted morning commuters across parts of Ireland. The partial eclipse was visible between 8.30am and 9.30am for those with a clear view of the north-eastern horizon, despite cloudy conditions obscuring the view of some.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with rain but this becoming light and patchy during the morning. A few brighter spells possible in the afternoon, allowing the odd sharp shower to break out. Becoming drier and brighter in the west towards evening. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with some showery rain in the east at first, this soon clearing east. Dry, bright at first in the west, before further cloud and rain spread east overnight. Minimum temperature 10 °C.