Rising gas prices continued to push up Ireland’s electricity costs in May, with the average wholesale price reaching €144.52 per megawatt-hour (MWh). This represented a 10.2% increase from April and marked the third consecutive monthly rise.

However, figures published by Wind Energy Ireland show that wind generation helped limit the impact on consumers. On days with the highest wind output, average wholesale electricity prices fell to €117.12/MWh, around 34% below the level recorded on low-wind days.

When imported fossil fuels supplied most of the country’s electricity mix, the average price climbed to €178.34/MWh. The difference between the two scenarios exceeded €61/MWh.

“Once more we are seeing wind energy shielding consumers from the worst of the fossil fuel crisis,” said Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland.

Wind supplies 29% of electricity demand

Ireland’s wind farms generated 960 GWh of electricity in May, meeting 29% of the country’s electricity demand.

During the first five months of 2026, wind accounted for 37% of all electricity generated in Ireland, highlighting its importance to the national energy system.

Wind Energy Ireland said every new wind farm connected to the electricity system reduces the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthens energy security and limits consumers’ exposure to volatility in international energy markets.

The association stressed that rising electricity demand, driven by new housing, industrial activity and investment, will require Ireland to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects and the grid infrastructure needed to connect them.

Kerry leads wind generation

Kerry remained Ireland’s leading county for wind generation in May, producing 106 GWh of electricity. It was followed by Cork with 82 GWh, Galway with 81 GWh, Offaly with 69 GWh and Tyrone with 68 GWh.

Together, these five counties accounted for almost half of all wind electricity generated across the island during the month.

Cunniffe said Ireland has some of the best wind resources in Europe, but warned that the country’s grid and planning systems must keep pace with growing demand for clean electricity.

The report is based on EirGrid’s SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid, electricity market data provided by ElectroRoute and county-level wind generation figures supplied by Infranua.