In 2024, Ireland's electricity consumption is marked by a notable division between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. Fossil fuels, primarily gas, contribute to nearly half of the nation's electricity, with gas itself accounting for more than four-tenths. In contrast, wind energy dominates the low-carbon category, accounting for almost a third of the electrical supply. Other clean energy sources like solar and hydropower contribute minimally, each making up close to none of the total consumption. Net imports account for a little over a tenth of Ireland's electricity usage, showcasing a reliance on external partnerships. Overall, while there are admirable strides in clean energy, the reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant concern for the environment and public health, highlighting the essential need for a greener transition.
Is Electricity Growing in Ireland?
Electricity consumption in Ireland is seeing a slight upward trajectory, with current figures standing at 6826 kWh per person, surpassing the previous high in 2008 of 6763 kWh per person. Although the increase is modest, it reflects a positive trend towards growth in electrical usage, essential for supporting innovation and energy demands from new technologies like AI. However, the generation of low-carbon electricity shows a minor decline with 2694 kWh per person compared to the 2713 kWh per person recorded in 2023. It's disheartening to witness this stagnation in clean energy development, particularly when technological and societal advances depend on sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Ireland should expand its successful wind energy initiatives, given its existing significant contribution to the electricity mix. Learning from countries like France or Slovakia, which have heavily invested in nuclear power, could provide Ireland a robust model for achieving a cleaner energy profile. Nuclear energy is a reliable and substantial provider of low-carbon electricity, offering sustainable and continuous power that complements the variable nature of renewable resources. Denmark's proficient use of wind energy as a primary source — by achieving over half of its electricity from wind — demonstrates the potential of increasing capacity in existing clean technologies. By following these examples, Ireland can diversify and strengthen its low-carbon electricity portfolio.
History
Over recent decades, Ireland has witnessed a variety of developments in low-carbon electricity, primarily driven by growth in wind energy. During the mid-2000s, wind energy steadily rose with annual increases, reflecting growing adoption of wind technology. A notable leap occurred in 2011 and was sustained through the late 2010s with only minor interruptions. Significant growth in 2020 saw a remarkable increase in wind-generated electricity, alongside a small boost from biofuels. However, setbacks were evident in 2021 with a drop in wind production, highlighting the necessity for resilient energy planning. Regaining momentum, solar energy made its inaugural mark in 2023, offering a promising avenue for future expansion. This historical trajectory underscores the importance of sustained investment and strategic planning, ensuring Ireland's energy future is clean, reliable, and resilient.