Electricity in Ireland in 2023

As of 2023, a little more than half of Ireland's electricity consumption comes from fossil sources, with gas being the dominant fossil fuel, contributing around 45% to the energy mix. Low-carbon energy sources provide roughly 40% of the country's electricity, with wind making up the bulk of this at approximately 32%. Other clean energy contributions include hydropower at almost 3%, solar at around 1.5%, and biofuels, which account for another 3%. Additionally, Ireland imports about 9% of its electricity, which helps diversify its energy sources. Coal provides a small share, around 3%, outlining a significant reliance on fossil fuels, but with a significant presence of low-carbon technologies showing promising progress toward a greener future.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Ireland could further expand its wind energy capacity, which already plays a significant role in the country's clean energy mix. By investing in more wind farms and enhancing its offshore wind capabilities, Ireland can make substantial gains in reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, looking at other nations with high shares of low-carbon electricity could provide valuable insights. For example, Denmark generates over half of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the viability of wind expansion. Furthermore, Ireland could learn from France and Finland, where 65% and 41% of electricity, respectively, come from nuclear power. Emulating these successful strategies can significantly boost Ireland's clean energy output and enhance energy security.

History

Ireland has seen considerable growth in its low-carbon electricity generation, especially from wind power. In the early 2000s, hydropower saw a modest increase, with a spike of 0.3 TWh in 2002. The wind sector began to accelerate during the mid-2000s, with notable increases of 0.5 TWh annually from 2005 to 2009. The next decade saw significant breakthroughs, particularly in 2011 (1.6 TWh) and 2015 (1.4 TWh). Despite minor setbacks in 2012 and 2016, the overall trajectory has been upward, with a massive boost in wind energy of 2.2 TWh in 2020. Recently, solar energy also began to grow, contributing an additional 0.4 TWh in 2023. This historical trend underscores Ireland's commitment to enhancing its low-carbon electricity generation, pointing towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources