Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) has announced that Irish wind farms delivered the third highest energy output on record for a September, contributing significantly to the country's electricity needs. In its latest report, WEI revealed that wind energy supplied 28% of Ireland's electricity last month, while solar power and other renewables made up an additional 3%. Over the first nine months of 2024, wind farms have generated 32% of the nation’s electricity.

Despite the strong renewable energy performance, the average wholesale electricity price in September 2024 was the highest recorded so far this year. Ireland remains reliant on imported fossil fuels, contributing to higher energy costs. The average price reached €112.73 per megawatt-hour (MWh), a slight increase from €111.62 in September 2023. However, on days with strong wind generation, the price dropped to €86.35 per MWh, whereas on days relying heavily on fossil fuels, it spiked to €135.64.

Source: Wind Energy Ireland

Kerry's wind farms led in production, generating 108 GWh of electricity in September, followed closely by Cork at 107 GWh. For the first time since county-level data tracking began, Tipperary and Galway tied for third place, each producing 66 GWh. May completed the top five counties with 56 GWh.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, praised the sector's performance: “It is really positive to see the contribution that renewable energy made in September, with our wind farms providing more than a quarter of Ireland’s electricity last month.” He highlighted the importance of government investment in the national grid, referring to the recent €750 million commitment announced as part of Budget 2025, which aims to enhance grid infrastructure for renewable energy.

Cunniffe emphasized the urgency of expanding wind farm development to meet the growing demands of Ireland’s economy: “Last year, Irish wind farms cut carbon emissions by twice as much as all other renewable energy sources combined. Wind power is our number one source of clean energy.”

The report highlights the need for continued efforts to overcome obstacles to new wind farm projects, particularly challenges posed by local County Development Plans.

Finally, Cunniffe stressed the importance of affordability for Irish consumers, noting that every unit of electricity produced by wind or solar reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby helping to lower energy prices and increase clean energy supply.

This report is based on EirGrid’s SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid, with market data provided by ElectroRoute and renewable generation figures from Green Collective.