Provisional figures from Eirgrid show that renewable energy supplied almost 40% of Ireland’s electricity in January, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on wind and solar power. The data from the national grid operator indicates that 39% of electricity last month came from renewable sources, close to the 40% recorded in January 2025.
Wind power accounted for the largest share of renewable generation, providing 33% of all electricity used during the month. Total wind output reached 1,119 gigawatt-hours (GWh), slightly below December’s 1,243 GWh. Solar energy contributed just under 1% to the overall fuel mix, with generation peaking at 371 megawatts (MW) on January 28. This represented 8% of Ireland’s electricity demand at noon on that day, demonstrating solar’s role even during winter months with limited sunlight.
Fossil fuels continued to play a significant role in electricity production. Gas-fired power plants generated 44% of the country’s electricity, while imports through interconnectors accounted for 16% of supply.
Eirgrid also reported that new all-time electricity demand peaks were recorded for both a Saturday and a Sunday in January. Demand reached 5,297 MW on a Saturday and 5,480 MW on a Sunday, underscoring the pressures on the grid during periods of high consumption.
The figures suggest that Ireland’s renewable generation is maintaining a stable share of the electricity mix despite seasonal fluctuations. Wind energy remains the backbone of the country’s green power supply, while solar continues to make a small but noticeable contribution, particularly during sunny spells.
As Ireland moves towards its climate and energy targets, balancing renewable supply with gas generation and imports will remain key to meeting peak demand and ensuring grid stability. The Eirgrid data highlights both the progress made in transitioning to low-carbon electricity and the challenges that come with integrating intermittent energy sources into the grid.
