Wind Power in Ireland
Ireland is blessed with some of the finest wind resources in Europe, thanks to our Atlantic coastline and strategic location. Our world-class wind energy sector is a cornerstone of Ireland's renewable energy strategy, providing over 30% of our electricity and positioning us as a European leader in wind technology. From the powerful Atlantic winds to the developing offshore potential of the Irish Sea, wind energy is transforming Ireland's energy landscape and driving us toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Wind Energy in Ireland
5.2 GW
Installed Onshore Capacity
36%
Electricity from Wind (2023)
9 GW
Offshore Target by 2030
80%
Renewable Energy Target
Offshore Wind Potential
Ireland's offshore wind potential is exceptional, with some of the best wind speeds in Europe. The Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean offer vast opportunities for floating and fixed-bottom offshore wind farms. Major projects like the Dublin Array and the Moneypoint Offshore Wind Farm are set to revolutionize our energy sector.
- World-class Atlantic wind resources
- Shallow waters in Irish Sea ideal for development
- Deep water floating wind opportunities
Government Targets 2030
The Irish government has set ambitious targets as part of the Climate Action Plan and Programme for Government, positioning Ireland as a leader in renewable energy transition.
- 80% renewable electricity by 2030
- Up to 9 GW offshore wind capacity
- 8 GW onshore wind capacity
- Climate neutrality by 2050
Irish Wind Farm Highlights
Galway Wind Park
One of Ireland's largest onshore wind farms, located in Derrybrien, County Galway. With 70 turbines generating 169 MW, it powers over 100,000 homes and demonstrates the scale of Ireland's onshore wind ambitions.
Moneypoint Offshore
A transformative project in the Shannon Estuary that will convert the coal-fired Moneypoint power station site into a major offshore wind hub. Expected to generate up to 1.4 GW, marking Ireland's energy transition.
Dublin Array
Ireland's first large-scale offshore wind farm project, located in the Irish Sea off the Dublin and Wicklow coast. With potential capacity of up to 600 MW, it will significantly boost Ireland's offshore wind generation.
Community Benefits
Irish wind farms are required to deliver community benefit schemes, ensuring local areas receive direct financial support and have a stake in renewable energy developments.
- €2 per MW of capacity per year to communities
- Community ownership opportunities
- Local energy price reductions
Job Creation & Export
The wind energy sector is a major employer in Ireland, creating high-quality jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research.
- 5,000+ direct jobs in wind sector
- Thousands more in supply chain
- Export opportunities to UK & Europe
Policy & Support in Ireland
RESS is the Irish government's main support mechanism for renewable electricity, replacing the previous REFIT scheme. It provides a route to market for renewable energy projects through competitive auctions.
- Competitive Auctions: Regular RESS auctions for onshore wind, solar, and offshore wind
- CfD Mechanism: Contract for Difference providing price certainty for investors
- Community Requirement: Minimum 15% community benefit or ownership
- Technology Specific: Separate categories for different technologies and scales
Wind energy projects in Ireland follow a structured planning process to ensure environmental protection and community engagement.
- Strategic Infrastructure: Large projects (>50 MW onshore, >25 MW offshore) go to An Bord Pleanála
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Required for all significant developments
- Public Consultation: Community input through planning process
- Grid Connection: Application through EirGrid/ESB Networks
- Maritime Consent: Required for offshore developments from DHLGH
Connecting a wind farm to the electricity grid is managed by ESB Networks for distribution and EirGrid for transmission.
- Connection Application: Submit to ESB Networks or EirGrid based on capacity
- Connection Offer: Technical and commercial terms for grid connection
- Grid Reinforcement: May require upgrades to accommodate new generation
- System Services: Wind farms provide grid stability services
- SNSP Management: System Non-Synchronous Penetration coordination
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Benefits for Ireland
Energy Independence
Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels strengthens Ireland's energy security and insulates us from volatile international energy prices. Wind power is indigenous and inexhaustible.
Economic Growth
The wind sector contributes billions to the Irish economy through investment, job creation, supply chain development, and export opportunities in technology and services.
Climate Action
Wind energy is crucial to meeting Ireland's climate commitments, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Reduced Imports
Every unit of wind-generated electricity reduces Ireland's need to import expensive fossil fuels, keeping more money in the Irish economy and reducing trade deficits.