Wind energy met nearly a third of Ireland’s electricity demand last year according to figures just released by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA).
Figures published at the IWEA Spring Conference today show that 2018 was the best year yet for Irish wind, with the amount of electricity – 29% – supplied by onshore wind the highest in Europe.
Last year the record for the most wind on the all-Ireland system at any one time was broken three times, according to the group, while in January 2018 wind provided more electricity than gas over a full month.
In 2018 19 new windfarms were built in Ireland, according to the IWEA.
Speaking at the Spring Conference IWEA chief executive David Connolly said: “Wind energy is an Irish success story, driving down electricity costs for consumers, cutting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and securing a homegrown energy future that doesn’t depend on importing fossil fuels.”
Connolly said: “A strong policy framework, support from EirGrid and ESB Networks, and the efforts of our members have delivered for Ireland.”
He told delegates the technology and the resources exist to deliver Ireland’s green energy future with wind energy playing the key role as the country’s main source of renewable electricity.
“We know that wind, alongside other renewable technologies like solar, batteries and greater interconnection, can provide 70% of our electricity by 2030,” said Connelly, urging environment minister Richard Bruton to make Ireland a leader in the fight against climate change by setting this target in the country’s National Energy and Climate Plan.
In addition, a new report, ‘Life-cycle of an Onshore Wind Farm’, was launched at the event, setting out how wind farms are developed and operated from the very earliest stages right through to decommissioning.
Connolly said: “Developing and operating a wind farm is a complicated project bringing together experts in planning, engineering, construction, ecology and community engagement.
“We hope people reading this will have a clearer understanding of what it takes to successfully develop renewable energy in Ireland.”