Ireland's wind farms set new March record for electricity production

Wind energy was responsible for more than 40% of Ireland's total electricity during March, a new record for the month.

A total of 1,541 GWh of power was generated from wind farms in Ireland during March, eclipsing the previous record of 1,392 GWh set in March 2020. 

Wind energy was responsible for 43% of Ireland's electricity last month, according to the recently-released data. 

Meanwhile, the wholesale price of electricity has dropped by 40% compared to March 2023, dropping from €145.25 last year to €88.67. 

Irish wind farms set a new March record for the amount of wind power produced⚡

As part of a new partnership with @IrishEnergyBot the @WindEnergyIRL monthly report also identifies the top five counties in Ireland for clean energy in March?

Full report? https://t.co/kTZYLDwOuM

— Wind Energy Ireland (@WindEnergyIRL) April 8, 2024

Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland, said an increase in wind farms around the country will help to further reduce the cost of electricity in Ireland. 

"The quicker we can build wind farms, the sooner we can help to bring down the cost of electricity and support struggling electricity consumers," Moran said in a statement. 

"We hope to see the new Planning and Development Bill enacted this year which will help to modernize the Irish planning system and ensure that planning applications are thoroughly, but quickly, examined." 

The newly released data also highlights that Kerry produced the most wind energy in Ireland last month, generating 187 GWh during March. 

Cork (163 GWh) and Tipperary (106 GWh) completed the top three. 

Moran said the three counties generated enough wind energy to meet a third of Ireland's electricity demands for March. 

"Irish wind farms, and particularly those in Kerry, are playing an enormous part in reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions by over 4 million tonnes a year and creating significant opportunities in job creation and funding for rural communities." 

The month record for electricity set by wind energy was set in February 2022, when Irish wind farms produced 1,868 GWh of power thanks in large part to Storms Eunice and Franklin.