Renewable energy sources contributed a quarter of all electricity consumed in Ireland last year, according to new research.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland said onshore wind accounted for 80% of renewables in the country.
The Renewable Electricity in Ireland study found that green sources of energy helped Ireland avoid the use of 3m tonnes of fossil fuel-related CO2 emissions.
Head of low carbon Eimear Cotter said: “Ireland is making significant progress in decarbonising our electricity system. In addition, the economy benefits from the use of local and indigenous renewable energy which brings with it local jobs and enterprise opportunities.”
Cotter added that Ireland needs to “intensify” its work to increase the contribution of renewables in the energy mix.
Image: the first Siemens turbine at the 174MW Galway Wind Park (SSE)
Irish celebrate renewables surge
25% of electricity came from green sources in 2015 led by onshore wind
By EBS