Ireland has reached a key milestone in its energy transition, with the system operator EirGrid confirming that grid-scale solar generation has exceeded 1 GW for the first time.

The initial record was set on Monday, April 20 at 12:19pm, when solar output reached 1,021 MW. This was followed by further peaks of 1,087 MW on Friday, April 24 and a new high of 1,133 MW on Saturday, April 25 at 2:14pm. These figures highlight the continued expansion of large-scale solar farms connected to the national grid.

For comparison, peak solar generation stood at around 750 MW in both March and May 2025, while the most recent record prior to April’s milestone was 983 MW on March 21.

EirGrid, which balances electricity supply and demand in real time, estimates that 1 GW is sufficient to power approximately 500,000 customers. The latest milestone is largely attributed to the growing number of grid-scale solar installations.

The achievement comes as Ireland moves forward with what EirGrid describes as the most ambitious transmission infrastructure programme in its history. A €18.9 billion investment package has recently been approved by the Government and regulator to strengthen the national electricity network.

According to EirGrid, this funding will be essential to integrate higher volumes of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, into the system. The expansion of grid infrastructure is also seen as critical to improving energy security, supporting economic growth and enabling greater energy independence.

Despite the rapid growth of solar, onshore wind remains Ireland’s leading renewable energy source. Between February 2025 and January 2026, wind accounted for 33.2% of electricity demand, compared to 3.1% from grid-scale solar.

However, solar’s contribution continues to rise steadily. EirGrid data shows it increased from 1.1% of demand in 2023 to 2% in 2024 and 3.1% in 2025.

The 1 GW record refers to instantaneous generation from grid-connected solar farms, though there has also been a notable increase in rooftop solar installations across the country.

Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, stated that wind and solar will play an increasingly important role in powering homes, businesses and farms, helping to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and lower electricity costs.

Meanwhile, EirGrid CEO Cathal Marley said that the milestone reflects continued progress in integrating renewable energy into the system, as well as the complexity of managing a grid that must balance multiple sources of generation while ensuring a secure and reliable electricity supply.