Ireland lost 15% of its cheapest electricity to grid constraints

06 September 2026

By Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland.

This year, Ireland lost 15% of our most affordable electricity because our grid was not strong enough to carry all the power generated by wind farms to Irish homes and businesses.

More expensive gas generation, powered primarily by imported fuel, was brought on to make up the shortfall. Consequently, consumers end up paying more for dirtier energy. Every unit of renewable electricity lost is a missed opportunity to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower electricity costs for Irish households and businesses.

''We need solutions that can make a difference today.''

Volatile gas markets
Accelerating investment in the electricity grid, energy storage and other enabling technologies is crucial. The more renewable power we can use when it is available, the less exposed Ireland will be to volatile international gas markets.

This is not just an investment challenge. A focus on public engagement, clear communications and tackling misinformation will be essential to maintaining and building broad, popular support for the infrastructure required for energy independence.

The long-term solution is investment in Ireland’s electricity network. We welcome the work already underway by EirGrid and ESB Networks to strengthen the grid and prepare it for a more electrified future. Ensuring they have continued public and political support will be key to delivering the infrastructure needed to power Ireland’s future.

Solutions for today
New infrastructure cannot be built overnight. We need solutions that can make a difference today. We should use every tool available now to make better use of the electricity network we already have.

Wind farms are still not allowed to store power in batteries on the same site. Instead of storing excess renewable electricity, they must switch off. At the same time, technologies that can increase the capacity of existing power lines are only beginning to be deployed. These are not necessarily easy fixes, but they can be done much more quickly than new power lines can be built.

Ireland has a world-class wind resource. With the right investment, we can turn more of that renewable energy into more affordable, secure and clean electricity to power homes and businesses across the country.