Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
153. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the percentage of energy used in 2025 that was generated by indigenous wind power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government reaffirmed Ireland’s target of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources.
This week we are due to reach 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity. This is a remarkable achievement as it means we have added approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity in just ten years. This includes a doubling of our wind capacity to over 5 GW, and establishing solar energy as a major pillar of our energy supply.
Onshore wind remains Ireland’s dominant source of renewable energy and is second only to natural gas for overall electricity generation. Ireland is among world leaders for installed onshore wind capacity per capita. We get a greater share of our electricity from onshore wind than anyone else in Europe, with recently published data from EirGrid showing that it accounted for 33% of our electricity fuel mix in 2025.
Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum through 2026 and beyond as we deliver on the transition to a renewables-led system. This will involve the development of a balanced portfolio of technologies, including wind, solar, storage, and flexibility services to complement other measures, such as demand-side response. It will also require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
Three cross-Government taskforces, the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) for onshore renewables, the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT), and the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, continue to ensure the implementation of effective policies designed to deliver an accelerated and increased level of renewable generation capacity and related infrastructure, including strengthening the electricity grid and increasing electricity storage.
