In 2024, Ireland's electricity consumption features a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for almost half of the country's electricity, combining to over 47%. Gas plays a major role in this category, representing over 42% domestically. Low-carbon sources are substantial, making up nearly 39% of the electricity portfolio. Wind energy contributes significantly to this clean category, providing over 32% to the grid. Solar, net imports, and other sources like hydropower and biofuels add to the low-carbon mix but in smaller quantities, ranging from 2% to 13% collectively. It's worth noting that the dependency on coal is minimal, with close to 3% of the electricity sourced from this high-polluting energy type.
Is Electricity Growing in Ireland?
Ireland's electricity consumption appears to be at a critical juncture, showing a minimal decline in per capita use when comparing the latest figures to the past. In 2024, electricity consumption per person is slightly below the 2008 record, with a decrease of merely 2 kWh per capita. The generation from low-carbon sources has also seen a modest decline compared to its peak in 2023, dropping by 45 kWh per person in 2024. These slight reductions are concerning since they suggest stagnation at a time when increasing electricity generation, especially from clean sources, is crucial for mitigating climate impacts and supporting further electrification across sectors.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Ireland can significantly benefit from an expansion of existing wind infrastructure while diversifying its energy portfolio with solar and nuclear energy. Learning from regions with a robust clean energy footprint, such as Denmark and Iowa, where wind accounts for over 50% and 63% of their electricity respectively, could be instrumental. Adopting solar strategies from countries like Greece and Spain, where solar accounts for roughly 21%, or even considering nuclear pathways like France's approach that leverages nuclear power for 68% of its electricity, can provide sustainable growth. This diverse approach ensures energy security, enhances grid stability, and importantly, aids in the transition away from environmentally harmful fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Ireland has made substantial strides in integrating wind energy into its electricity mix. Starting in the mid-2000s, Ireland saw consistent yearly increments in wind generation, particularly notable from 2005 to 2009, each year seeing an increase of close to half a terawatt hour. The early 2010s marked a leap with 2011 introducing a record 1.6 TWh of wind power, with further fluctuations over the decade. A significant surge occurred in 2020 with 2.2 TWh added alongside the emergence of biofuels contributing 0.4 TWh. More recently, in 2023, solar has begun to enter the mix, marking a new chapter in Ireland's low-carbon energy journey. While wind has been the driving force, it's clear the nation can further enrich its clean energy landscape by embracing solar and nuclear, aligning with global leading examples.