In 2025, Ireland's electricity consumption paints a fairly balanced picture between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than 40% of Ireland's electricity is generated from low-carbon sources like wind, solar, hydropower, and biofuels. Wind power alone provides almost a third of the country's electricity, making it the single largest source of low-carbon electricity. Meanwhile, fossil fuels also account for a similar share of around 41%, with gas being the predominant fossil fuel source, delivering almost 39% of electricity. Net imports make up nearly 17% of the total electricity, while solar, hydropower, and biofuels contribute more modest shares of around 3% each. Coal, considered one of the more environmentally damaging options, contributes close to none at just 1%.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ireland?
Despite the crucial need for growth in low-carbon energy to combat climate change, Ireland's overall electricity consumption appears to be slightly declining. The latest data shows that the total electricity usage is 6738 kWh per person, which is a decrease compared to the previous peak in 2006 when it was 6854 kWh per person. On a positive note, low-carbon electricity generation has reached a new high with 2801 kWh per person, surpassing its 2020 record by a small margin of 50 kWh. However, this slight growth in clean electricity is overshadowed by the overall decrease in total consumption, indicating a need for more aggressive expansion and innovation in low-carbon technologies to ensure sustainable electricity growth.
Suggestions
Ireland can further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing wind energy infrastructure, given its current substantial contribution. In addition, observing successful regions could provide valuable insights. For instance, Denmark and Iowa generate more than half of their electricity from wind, demonstrating the potential for wind expansion. Moreover, Ireland can learn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes a significant portion of electricity generation, showing that nuclear power can be a reliable and potent low-carbon option. Solar power, evidenced by regions like Nevada and California generating around 30% from this source, can also play a larger role in Ireland's energy mix, especially as technology improves and costs decline. Expanding both wind and solar while considering the adoption of nuclear energy could propel Ireland toward a more sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Ireland reveals a progressive trend, primarily dominated by wind energy expansion. During the mid-2000s, Ireland saw consistent, albeit modest, growth in wind energy contributions. This trend experienced a significant boost in the early 2010s with substantial annual increases, notably in 2011 and 2015. The year 2020 marked a remarkable leap, with a 2.1 TWh increase, signifying a high point for wind energy development. Although there was a temporary decline in 2021, possibly reflecting external factors, the following years indicate a rebound, albeit at a slower pace. Hydropower and biofuels have seen minor adjustments, often subject to annual variations. The steady increase in wind energy capacity showcases Ireland's commitment to low-carbon electricity, although the pace must quicken to ensure low-carbon sources outpace fossil fuels, setting a more sustainable path for future electricity needs.
