Wind generation surpassed the previous September record of 1,128 GWh, set in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. Wind Energy Ireland also said that more than one third of Ireland’s electricity demand during the first nine months of 2026 was met by wind farms.

The report highlighted a strong relationship between wind output and wholesale electricity prices. The average wholesale price in September reached €182.13/MWh, amid steadily rising gas prices.

However, on the days with the highest wind generation, the average wholesale price fell to €142.78/MWh. On days when the system relied more heavily on imported gas, prices climbed to €226.51/MWh, almost 25% above the monthly average.

According to Wind Energy Ireland, this means wholesale electricity prices were almost €84/MWh lower on high-wind days than on days when Ireland depended more heavily on imported gas.

Wind and solar supplied more than 42% of demand

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said September was the strongest September on record for wind generation, with wind farms supplying more than a third of national electricity demand.

Wind and solar combined supplied more than 42% of electricity demand during the month, according to the association.

Cunniffe said the figures underline the role of domestic renewable generation in reducing Ireland’s exposure to imported fossil fuels and volatile international energy prices.

He also called for faster grid connections, quicker planning decisions and further investment in energy storage to enable greater renewable deployment and improve the use of electricity already being generated.

Kerry leads county-level wind generation

At county level, Kerry recorded the highest wind generation in September, with 131 GWh.

It was followed by:

• Cork: 102 GWh
• Offaly: 98 GWh
• Mayo: 89 GWh
• Galway: 88 GWh

Wind Energy Ireland said the figures also demonstrate the contribution of rural counties to the country’s electricity supply and energy security.