Ireland sets record for solar power generation
This week marked Ireland's highest ever daily solar electricity output, with solar energy supplying about one third of national demand. Minister Darragh O’Brien highlighted this milestone coinciding with a historic solar eclipse and emphasised solar’s growing role in the country’s green energy transition.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Ireland reached a landmark in renewable energy this week when solar electricity generation peaked at 1,258 MW just before 1pm on Tuesday, the highest level ever recorded on the national grid. At that moment, solar power contributed roughly one third of the country’s electricity consumption, underscoring its expanding significance in Ireland’s energy mix.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien praised this achievement, noting it coincided with the week of a historic solar eclipse. He reflected on the rapid growth of renewable capacity, highlighting that over the past decade Ireland has added approximately 5 GW of renewable electricity, including a remarkable surge in solar from a mere 2 MW to over 2.6 GW today. This expansion is driven by both large-scale solar farms and a rooftop solar revolution supported by government grants.
The Minister emphasised solar power’s vital contribution to grid stability by reducing midday demand on fossil fuel sources, helping to lower electricity costs for households and businesses alike. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue funding solar grants until 2030, supported by schemes such as the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), and Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which empower citizens and communities to actively participate in Ireland’s clean energy transition. More details on the Domestic Solar PV Grant are available on the SEAI website.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien praised this achievement, noting it coincided with the week of a historic solar eclipse. He reflected on the rapid growth of renewable capacity, highlighting that over the past decade Ireland has added approximately 5 GW of renewable electricity, including a remarkable surge in solar from a mere 2 MW to over 2.6 GW today. This expansion is driven by both large-scale solar farms and a rooftop solar revolution supported by government grants.
The Minister emphasised solar power’s vital contribution to grid stability by reducing midday demand on fossil fuel sources, helping to lower electricity costs for households and businesses alike. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue funding solar grants until 2030, supported by schemes such as the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS), Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), and Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which empower citizens and communities to actively participate in Ireland’s clean energy transition. More details on the Domestic Solar PV Grant are available on the SEAI website.
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