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Wind energy cut wholesale electricity prices in May, with average electricity costs on high-wind days around a third lower than when Ireland was forced to rely on imported gas.
The average wholesale price of electricity in Ireland in May rose 10.2 per cent from April to €144.52 per megawatt-hour. This was the third consecutive month where average wholesale prices increased.
On the days with the highest levels of wind generation, average wholesale electricity prices fell to €117.12 per megawatt-hour. By contrast, prices rose to €178.34 on days when imported fossil fuels made up most of the country’s electricity mix.
Wind farms generated 960 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity during May, supplying 29 per cent of Ireland's electricity demand. Wind has accounted for 37 per cent of all electricity generated in Ireland during the first five months of 2026, underlining its critical importance to the country's energy system.
Last week also marked Global Wind Day (June 15th), the annual international celebration of wind energy, with communities across Ireland and around the world recognising the important role wind power plays in delivering affordable, secure and clean electricity.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Once more we are seeing wind energy shielding consumers from the worst of the fossil fuel crisis. On the days when wind farms generated the most power, wholesale electricity prices were more than €60 cheaper than on days when wind generation was at its lowest.
"As we celebrate Global Wind Day this month, it is worth recognising the contribution wind energy is making in communities right across Ireland. Every wind farm connected to Ireland's electricity system reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthens our energy security and protects consumers from the volatility of international energy markets.
"By accelerating the delivery of new renewable energy projects and the grid infrastructure needed to connect them, we can provide Irish homes and businesses with cleaner, more secure and more affordable electricity."
County-by-county generation
The latest figures show that Kerry remained Ireland's highest-producing county for wind energy in May, generating 106 GWh of electricity. It was followed by Cork (82 GWh), Galway (81 GWh), Offaly (69 GWh) and Tyrone (68 GWh). Together, these counties accounted for almost half of all wind energy generated across the island during the month.
Noel Cunniffe added: "Wind farms across the country are helping to power homes, businesses and industry with clean, home-grown renewable energy.
As electricity demand continues to grow, driven by new housing, industry and investment, expanding Ireland's renewable energy capacity will be essential to maintaining secure and affordable electricity supplies.
Every new wind farm strengthens our energy independence and helps protect consumers from rising fossil fuel costs."
Delivering Ireland's clean energy future
The significant difference between prices on high-wind and low-wind days demonstrates the value of increasing the amount of low-cost renewable electricity on Ireland's power system.
Noel Cunniffe concluded: "Ireland has some of the best wind resources in Europe. The challenge now is ensuring our grid and planning systems can keep pace with the demand for clean electricity.
"We must continue investing in the infrastructure needed to connect renewable energy projects and bring more low-cost electricity onto the system. Every project delivered helps reduce emissions, improve energy security and lower costs for consumers.
"Yes we have come a long way and it’s important to celebrate the progress we have made in wind energy, but it is also a reminder of the work still to do if Ireland is to realise the full potential of its renewable energy resources and become one of the world’s first electrostates."
The results of this report are based on EirGrid's SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid, market data provided by ElectroRoute and county-level wind generation data provided by Infranua.