Ireland’s renewable revolution: from turbines to transition
Generation, Wind Accounts Energy Poised Future Offshore For Nearly Electricity To 40% Projects With Of Drive Growth Today, Ireland’s
Ireland’s energy story is at a turning point. For decades, we relied on fossil fuels and ecologically destructive peat extraction to power our homes and industries, leaving a legacy of high emissions and degraded landscapes. Now, as the climate crisis intensifies and energy independence becomes a global priority, Ireland’s shift to renewable energy is no longer a choice, it’s a necessity. The stakes couldn’t be higher, transform our energy system or face the escalating consequences of inaction.
Ireland has made commendable strides in recent years. In 2023, renewables accounted for 41% of electricity demand, up from 39% in 2022. This brings the country closer to its 2025 target of 50% renewable electricity generation, with wind energy leading the charge. Offshore projects are gaining momentum, and solar energy is finding a foothold, particularly in community-driven initiatives. These advancements are no small feat and position Ireland as a leader in renewable electricity among EU nations.
But there’s a catch. While renewable electricity is on the rise, fossil fuels still supply more than 80% of Ireland’s total energy consumption. The heavy reliance on oil and natural gas for heating and transport highlights how much remains to be done beyond the electricity sector. Even with full implementation of the Climate Action Plan, Ireland is projected to struggle to stay within its legally binding carbon budgets for the first two budget periods. The National Energy Projections report makes it clear that the path to 80% renewable electricity by 2030 will require far more than business as usual — it demands an accelerated and all-encompassing energy transformation.
Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels has deep roots. For much of the 20th century, coal, oil, and peat were the backbone of the energy system. Peat held a cultural and economic significance, powering homes and industries as a symbol of national self-sufficiency. By the mid-20th century, industrial-scale peat harvesting by Bord na Móna became a cornerstone of the energy landscape.
But peat’s environmental cost, high carbon emissions and degraded ecosystems, became impossible to ignore. As international climate commitments grew, so did the pressure to phase out peat. The last few years have seen a dramatic shift, with Bord na Móna transitioning away from peat and focusing on renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms.
Ireland’s renewable journey took flight in the 1990s with the construction of its first commercial wind farm at Bellacorrick, County Mayo. What began with a handful of turbines has grown into a vital industry. Today, wind energy accounts for nearly 40% of Ireland’s electricity generation, with offshore projects poised to drive future growth.
Offshore wind, in particular, represents a game-changer. Ireland’s vast maritime territory offers some of the best wind resources in Europe. Projects like the planned Oriel and Codling Wind Parks aim to harness this potential, with a government target of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
Despite these achievements, Ireland’s energy transition is far from smooth. The electricity grid, designed for centralised fossil fuel plants, is struggling to integrate decentralised renewable energy sources. Modernising this infrastructure will be critical to supporting future wind and solar expansion.
Planning and public acceptance also remain obstacles. Wind farms often face resistance due to their visual impact, while offshore projects are slowed by complex regulations and concerns about marine ecosystems. Add to this the challenge of decarbonising heating and transport, sectors that have seen little progress, and it’s clear that Ireland’s renewable revolution has significant hurdles to overcome.
Renewable electricity is only part of the solution. Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels for heating and transport requires urgent attention. Electrifying transport, scaling up public transit, and investing in heat pumps for homes are key steps that must complement the growth in renewables. These transitions will demand significant investment, political will, and public engagement.
Moreover, Ireland’s renewable future hinges on energy efficiency. Retrofitting homes and businesses not only reduces energy demand but also lowers costs and improves quality of life. Yet, current retrofitting schemes remain inaccessible to many, particularly renters and low-income households.
One of the more exciting possibilities lies in Ireland’s potential to become a net exporter of green energy. The Celtic Interconnector, which will link Ireland’s grid to France, is set to play a key role in this vision. Additionally, renewable electricity could be used to produce green hydrogen, offering a zero-carbon fuel for export or domestic use in industry and transport. But for this vision to materialise, Ireland must first address inefficiencies at home. The dependence on imported fossil fuels must be reduced through renewables and energy storage solutions.
Ireland’s energy transition is at a critical juncture. Meeting the Government’s target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 will require scaling up offshore wind projects, decarbonising heating and transport sectors, modernising the grid, and expanding retrofitting programs for more homes and businesses.
Ireland’s renewable energy story is a mix of progress and potential, success and struggle. From the smoky turf from bogs of the past to the wind turbines dotted across our landscape, the country has come a long way. But the next decade will be decisive. To achieve a sustainable energy future, Ireland must move beyond incremental changes and embrace bold, systemic transformation. This is more than an environmental imperative, it’s a chance to secure energy independence, create green jobs, and lead on the global stage. The winds of change are blowing strong, and Ireland has the power to harness them, not just for a greener future, but for a more resilient, prosperous, and independent nation.
- Dr Michelle McKeown is a lecturer in Environmental Geography at University College Cork