3 March 2025
Renewables powered over half of electricity in February
New record peak for wind-powered electricity set on 13 February
Electricity from renewable sources provided for over half of total demand in February, according to provisional data from grid operator EirGrid.
Wind power alone supplied almost half of the country’s electricity needs1, accounting for just over 48% of all electricity used in Ireland. Total generation from wind energy amounted to 1,411 GWh (Gigawatt hours) over the month, which saw a new peak wind power record set on Thursday 13 February.
Overall, renewables provided 54.5% of electricity in February when other sources including grid-scale solar2 and hydropower are included.
Overall electricity system demand3 stood at 2,918 GWh for February.
Gas generation accounted for 31% of all electricity used in February, with 12% being imported via interconnection, 2% coming from coal, and the remaining 1% from other sources4.
EirGrid is responsible for leading Ireland's transition to a low carbon future so that 80% of electricity can come from renewables, as set out in Government targets.
Currently the electricity grid can accommodate up to 75% of electricity from renewable sources at any one time. This is known as the system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) limit. EirGrid is aiming to further increase the SNSP limit.
Charlie McGee, System Operational Manager at EirGrid, said: “February was one of our strongest months on record for renewables on the grid, as demonstrated by the new peak wind record of 3,884 Megawatts on the evening of 13 February.
"As ever, this was supported by a mix of generation sources which help to ensure a stable flow of power at all times on the grid.”
About the data
The data is based on 15-minute SCADA readings (MW). The data referenced above is Ireland-only.
Data is provisional and unmetered data, based on real-time information.
1 Average Fuel Mix is a representation of the System Generation fuel mix and net imports across the power system. The “Renewables” category includes wind, solar, hydro and biomass sources. It excludes some non-centrally monitored generation (e.g. small scale combined heat and power and microgeneration).
2 Not including rooftop (embedded) solar.
3 System demand represents the electricity production required to meet national electricity consumption, including system losses, but net of generators' requirements.
4The “Other” category includes Peat, Distillate, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Aggregated Generating Units (AGUs) and Demand Side Units (DSUs). Waste is split 50% between the “Other” and “Renewable” categories.