Renewables provided a third of electricity in November

Electricity from renewable sources provided for a third of total demand in November, according to provisional data from grid operator EirGrid.

The majority of renewable electricity¹ generated last month came from windfarms, which accounted for just under 29% of all electricity used in Ireland. Total generation from wind energy amounted to 869 GWh (Gigawatt hours) over the month.

Overall, renewables provided 33.3% of electricity in November when other sources including grid-scale solar² and hydropower are included.

Overall electricity system demand³ stood at 3,041 GWh for November, a month which saw two new all-time demand peaks recorded on 21 and 27 November as colder weather set in.

Gas generation accounted for just over half of all electricity used in November. 11% was imported via interconnection, 3% came 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: “As we enter the winter months our National Control Centre plays a critical role in balancing supply and demand, as seen with the peaks recorded in November. 

"This follows on from EirGrid’s annual Winter Outlook report forecasting the increase in demand to be expected at this time of year, which will be met by a mix of generation sources including renewables.”

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.

¹Average 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.

⁴ The “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.