Electricity in Ireland in 2024
In Ireland, the electricity consumption landscape in 2024 is characterized by a roughly equal split between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. Nearly half of the electricity consumed comes from fossil energy, dominated by gas, which accounts for around 43%. The remaining share of fossil energy comes from coal and biofuels, each contributing minimal amounts. On the greener side, low-carbon energy makes up about 39% of electricity consumption. Wind power is the leading low-carbon source, generating almost a third of the country's electricity. Solar and hydropower make modest contributions as well. Additionally, Ireland imports around 13% of its electricity, further affecting the clean energy balance. While the presence of low-carbon energy is significant, there's a clear opportunity to expand its role in Ireland's electricity mix to mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels on climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
Ireland can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by further investing in and expanding its wind energy capacity, an area already showing robust contributions. Observing countries with successful low-carbon initiatives can offer guidance. Denmark, for instance, generates more than half of its electricity from wind, showcasing what's possible with a concerted focus on this technology. Moreover, Ireland could explore the potential of nuclear energy, taking cues from countries like Finland, where nuclear contributes 38% to the electricity mix. While Ireland currently doesn't utilize nuclear power, such strategies could significantly bolster its low-carbon electricity generation. Expanding solar energy could also play a role, as evidenced by Greece and Spain, where over a fifth of electricity is solar-powered, reflecting the success of policies and investments to harness solar potential.
History
Over the past decades, Ireland has seen various developments in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily characterized by significant growth in wind power. In the early 2000s, wind electricity generation started with small yet consistent annual increments. A notable increase occurred in the early 2010s, with jumps of up to 1.6 TWh in 2011 and 1.4 TWh in 2015. In contrast, 2021 experienced a downturn, with wind generation dropping by 1.8 TWh. This dip was soon overcome in the following years as investments continued, evidenced by a rise of 1.4 TWh in 2022. More recently, in 2023, solar energy began contributing to the grid with a small increase of 0.5 TWh, marking a new chapter in Ireland's embrace of clean energy. The historical shift demonstrates a clear trajectory towards greener electricity, highlighting the potential for further expansion and diversification within Ireland's low-carbon portfolio.