The state of electricity consumption in Ireland over the past year, from July 2024 to June 2025, highlights a balanced reliance on both low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity is produced through a combination of fossil fuels, with gas contributing significantly at almost 39%, and smaller shares coming from coal and oil. On the other hand, low-carbon sources account for a similar portion of the electricity mix, with wind energy playing a crucial role by generating almost a third of the total electricity. Solar and biofuels contribute marginally to this clean electricity pool, while hydropower adds a minor share. Additionally, Ireland relies on net imports for almost 15% of its electricity, indicating a need for increased self-sufficiency through domestic low-carbon generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, Eurostat and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Ireland?
Recent electricity consumption trends in Ireland show growth, reaching 6988 kWh per person, surpassing the previous peak from 2006. This increase signals a healthy expansion, crucial for supporting sustainable development and electrification efforts. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation also reached new heights, with recent figures showing a generation of 2947 kWh per person. This is a notable improvement from the 2020 record, showcasing a positive trajectory in Ireland's clean electricity landscape. The growth in low-carbon energy is especially important as it plays a critical role in combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Ireland can focus on expanding its successful wind energy sector. By increasing wind capacity, Ireland can bolster its sustainable energy supply, capitalizing on the region's wind-rich environment. Additionally, looking at international examples can offer valuable insights. For instance, Denmark's substantial contribution of wind energy, making up 59% of their electricity, highlights the potential of maximizing wind resources. Moreover, considering regions like Nevada and Chile, which demonstrate significant solar power generation, Ireland can enhance its solar capacity. Finally, countries such as France and Finland offer compelling cases for incorporating nuclear energy as a reliable and robust low-carbon solution. By learning from these regions, Ireland can diversify its clean electricity portfolio effectively.
History
Ireland's history of low-carbon electricity highlights the gradual rise and occasional fluctuations in its wind energy capacity, particularly notable from 2005 to 2025. In the mid-2000s, wind energy contributions increased steadily, with significant annual gains witnessed in 2011 and 2020. However, occasional declines, such as in 2016 and 2021, reflect the challenges and volatility present in harnessing wind energy. Biofuels also played a smaller, yet noteworthy role in Ireland's low-carbon journey, with some variations in output over recent years. Further diversification with solar energy began taking shape in 2025, marking a positive step towards a more balanced and sustainable electricity generation portfolio. By continuing to enhance these low-carbon technologies, Ireland can ensure a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
