Wind and solar generation significantly reduced gas and carbon costs across Ireland in 2025, according to a report commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland.
The Cutting Carbon, Cutting Bills report, produced by Baringa, found renewables saved up to €13m a day during winter price peaks when gas prices were highest.
It stated that 13.8TWh of wind generation displaced more than €1.4bn in gas and carbon costs, while solar farms saved a further €115m.
Spending on gas for electricity across Ireland and Northern Ireland was cut by more than €1.1bn, with an additional €426m saved on carbon credits, bringing total all-island savings to over €1.5bn.
The reduction in fossil fuel generation avoided more than 5 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2025, equivalent to the annual energy-related emissions of approximately 1.2 million households.
“Instead of importing more than one billion euro of gas, Irish wind farms helped to push down prices and kept money at home, supporting our economy,” said Noel Cunniffe (pictured), chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland.
“We cannot be energy secure if we rely on gas markets dominated by the likes of Vladimir Putin,” he added.
Ronan Power, chief executive of Solar Ireland, said: “As this report shows, solar is already cutting exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.”
“With Ireland scaling towards 8 GW by 2030, its contribution to affordability, energy security and local economic value will continue to grow.”
Separate January data showed wind farms supplied 34% of Ireland’s electricity, generating about 1400GWh during a month when demand reached a record 4087GWh.
Wholesale electricity prices averaged €126.95/MWh in January, down from €167.51 in January 2025, with prices falling to €101.84/MWh on the windiest days and rising to €145.84/MWh when reliance on imported fossil fuels increased.
The report noted that grid constraints limited further savings as some wind generation could not be accommodated by the electricity network.