Ireland Hits 8GW Renewable Energy Milestone as Wind and Solar Power Surge

Ireland has reached a landmark 8 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable electricity capacity, with wind energy and a rapidly expanding solar sector driving the country closer to its clean energy goals.

The milestone was confirmed by ESB Networks and announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, as provisional data from EirGrid revealed that almost half of Ireland's electricity came from renewable sources in February alone.

Onshore wind remains the backbone of Ireland's renewable output. Ireland generates more electricity from onshore wind than any other country in Europe, with wind supplying 41% of the national electricity mix in February, narrowly ahead of gas at 37%. Solar energy, meanwhile, has become the fastest growing renewable source and is now the third largest source of indigenous electricity generation on the grid.

Minister Darragh O'Brien said:

"I welcome the data from ESB Networks confirming that Ireland has reached 8GW of renewable electricity, a landmark achievement for Ireland and a clear sign of our commitment to building a cleaner, more secure energy future. 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."

The minister also confirmed that under the Programme for Government, Ireland is committed to accelerating renewables delivery and expanding grid infrastructure, backed by a Government investment of €3.5 billion in the two system operators, ESB Networks and EirGrid, representing the largest single investment in Ireland's electricity grid in history.

Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, said:

"Surpassing 8 GW of renewable electricity generation connected to the electricity network is a major milestone. 189 MW of wind and solar power were connected in the first two months of 2026, which bodes well for the year ahead."

EirGrid CEO Cathal Marley added:

"It's positive to see continued progress and a critical milestone reached. Together we are facilitating increased renewable integration and working with customers to facilitate connections as we work towards a cleaner energy future."

Government support schemes, including the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT), have been central to reaching the milestone. Five onshore RESS auctions have been held since September 2020, with a sixth planned for this year. Progress on offshore wind is also continuing, with five projects in development on the east coast and a further 900MW procured off the south coast through the Tonn Nua auction last year.

Ireland's Programme for Government has reaffirmed a target of meeting 80% of electricity demand from renewables in the near term, with a net zero commitment by 2050.