Ireland has surpassed 8 GW of cumulative installed renewable energy capacity, driven by wind energy
Solar has emerged as the 3rd largest source of indigenous generation in the country
In January–February 2026, around 189 MW of new wind and solar capacity was connected to the grid, signaling continued growth for the rest of the year, according to ESB Networks
Renewables supplied 39% of electricity in January and 48.1% in February, led by wind at 41.1%, while solar contributed 1.2%
Solar power has risen to become Ireland’s 3rd largest source of indigenous electricity generation, as the country has exceeded 8 GW of cumulative installed renewable capacity, the Ministry for Climate, Energy and the Environment announced. Onshore wind remains the ‘backbone’ of the country’s renewable energy mix.
According to Irish electricity distribution system operator ESB Networks, Ireland’s grid-connected renewable energy capacity includes wind, solar, and hydro, among other technologies. Within January and February 2026, 189 MW of wind and solar power were grid-connected, which ‘bodes well’ for the rest of the year.
In January this year, renewables supplied 39% of the total electricity. In February, their share increased to 48.1%, led by wind with 41.1%, while solar’s share was smaller at 1.2%, according to the national transmission operator EirGrid. Non-renewables covered 37.7% capacity, while 14.2% was imported in February.
What the official figures don’t mention is that solar generation exceeded 1 GW for the 1st time on the Irish electricity system on March 6, 2026, supplying almost 20% of electricity demand on the grid at 12:15 p.m. Battery discharge also reached 477 MW, covering roughly 7.8% of demand at 08:15 a.m., according to Solar Ireland.
“Together, these records show how quickly Ireland’s electricity mix is evolving. Solar is becoming an increasingly important contributor to daytime supply, while battery storage is starting to play a growing role in balancing the system,” says Solar Ireland.
Recently, a Baringa report claimed solar farms in Ireland saved €115 million in gas and carbon costs last year (see Irish Solar Farms Saved €115 Million In Gas & Carbon Costs In 2025).
These milestones follow reports that expect Ireland to fall short of achieving its renewable energy targets by 2030. Ireland targets 8 GW of cumulative solar PV capacity by 2030. In November 2025, ESB Networks said the country’s solar capacity had exceeded 2 GW, thanks to rapid rooftop solar adoption (see Ireland’s Cumulative Installed Solar PV Capacity Exceeds 2 GW).
Nevertheless, the government has said it is committed to building on the achievement to expand renewables in the country with policies, grid enhancements, and new project development to create jobs and a stable economy. It is also set to launch the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auction round 6 in 2026, following the conclusion of 5 successful rounds (see Ireland Concludes RESS 5 Auction; Awards 860 MW Solar PV).
“At this time of global energy uncertainty and rising prices, expanding our homegrown renewable capacity is not only good for the climate – it is essential for delivering long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses,” said Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien. “It’s now more important than ever that we reduce Ireland’s exposure to imported fossil fuel price shocks.”
