Ireland curtailed enough wind energy to power 667,000 homes during the first half of 2026 as grid limitations prevented renewable electricity from being fully used, according to new analysis from Wind Energy Ireland based on EirGrid data.

The figures show that 15% of the clean electricity generated by Irish wind farms could not be delivered to consumers due to insufficient grid capacity. Wind Energy Ireland warned that the country’s renewable growth is increasingly outpacing the infrastructure needed to transport, store and use available power.

Despite these challenges, wind energy continued to play a key role in Ireland’s electricity system, supplying more than a third of the country’s power since the beginning of the year. In June, Irish wind farms achieved a new monthly generation record, producing 985 GWh of electricity and covering 31% of national demand.

The record wind generation also contributed to lower wholesale electricity prices. During periods of high wind output, average prices fell to €111.20/MWh, 37% below the levels recorded on days when Ireland relied more heavily on imported fossil fuels.

Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland, said that the country lost “15% of Ireland’s most affordable electricity” in the first six months of the year because the existing grid was unable to accommodate all the power generated by wind farms.

The organisation called for accelerated investment in electricity networks, energy storage and flexibility solutions to maximise the use of renewable energy. Wind Energy Ireland highlighted that allowing co-located battery storage at wind farms and deploying technologies to increase grid capacity could help address short-term constraints.

Ireland’s wind sector welcomed recent government commitments to strengthen the electricity network but stressed that further investment will be essential to support the country’s renewable expansion.

“With the right investment, we can turn more of that renewable energy into more affordable, secure and clean electricity,” Moran said, highlighting the role of wind power in reducing fossil fuel dependence and improving energy security.