Irish grid operator EirGrid has provisionally selected 23 projects in the Irish Government’s fifth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 5), out of 33 submissions for the auction. The successful projects include five onshore wind projects totaling 218.84 MW and 18 solar projects amounting to 860.38 MW, securing enough clean electricity to power more than 350,000 homes.

A further 142 MW of wind capacity and 250 MW of solar capacity were unsuccessful in the auction. Despite this, RESS 5 marks another major milestone in Ireland’s clean energy transition, demonstrating continued growth in renewable deployment.

Solar leads the way

Solar PV continues to strengthen its position as Ireland’s fastest-growing renewable electricity source, complementing wind generation and enhancing year-round clean electricity production. The expansion of solar capacity is set to improve energy security, stabilize electricity prices, and support Ireland’s goal of meeting 80% of electricity demand with renewable sources.

Economic and community bnefits

The development of renewable electricity projects under RESS 5 is expected to create sustainable jobs and support regional economies. All projects will contribute to a Community Benefit Fund (CBF) at a minimum rate of €2/MWh, generating approximately €45 million over the lifetime of the scheme, or €3 million annually, for host communities.

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, commented that "the RESS 5 auction, which has provisionally secured enough clean power for over 350,000 homes. With this volume of new clean electricity, we are not only reducing carbon emissions and dependence on imported fuels but also generating investment and jobs in communities across the country.

"The auction results also reflect that solar is continuing to be the fastest-growing renewable electricity source in the country and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system. Developing our solar capacity, alongside onshore and offshore wind, ensures we can generate clean electricity all year round.

"Accelerating the deployment of renewable electricity generation, especially onshore wind and solar, is fundamental to meeting our sectoral climate targets. July this year also marked a milestone as coal was completely phased out of our electricity mix after 40 years at Moneypoint."

Auction highlights

• RESS 5 provisionally secured 1,500 GWh of renewable electricity, the maximum target volume for the auction.
• Weighted Average Price: €98.81/MWh, a slight increase from €96.85/MWh in RESS 4 but well below general inflation.
• Support is conditional: renewable generators receive payments only when market prices are low and repay money to consumers when prices are high, protecting households from market volatility.

Looking Ahead

The auction results reinforce Ireland’s commitment to energy independence and a renewables-led electricity system. With regional renewable electricity capacity allocations incorporated into Ireland’s Revised National Planning Framework, the government is accelerating the deployment of onshore wind and solar PV to meet ambitious national renewable targets.