Renewables saved up to €13 million a day in gas costs during 2025 price peaks

24 February 2026

• Wind and solar generation cut more than €1.5 billion in gas and carbon costs in 2025
• Renewables saved over 5 million tonnes of CO₂ across the island of Ireland in 2025 – the equivalent annual energy-related emissions of approximately 1.2 million households

The latest Cutting Carbon, Cutting Bills report, commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland and produced by Baringa, shows that Irish renewables saved up to €13 million every day in gas and carbon costs during periods of high-power demand last winter, when gas prices were at their highest.

Across the year, 13.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of wind generation displaced more than €1.4 billion worth of gas and carbon costs across island of Ireland with a further €115 million saved by solar farms.

Spending on gas for electricity across Ireland and Northern Ireland was cut by more than €1.1 billion in 2025, as wind and solar power displaced costly imported fossil fuels and shielded consumers from volatile international gas prices.

A further €426 million was saved on carbon credits across Ireland and Northern Ireland, bringing total all-island savings to more than €1.5 billion euro.

Savings were strongest during the winter months, when electricity demand and gas prices peaked; February was the most valuable month for wind generation, with renewables cutting gas and carbon spending by €225 million in a single month.

The reduction in fossil fuel generation also delivered major climate benefits, with over 5 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided across Ireland and Northern Ireland in 2025 — equivalent to the annual energy-related emissions of approximately 1.2 million households.

Since 2022, wind power across the island has cut spending on gas and carbon credits by a staggering €6.7 billion. This is money that would otherwise have gone to the global fossil fuel industry but instead it stayed at home, supporting our economy, while helping to make our energy system cleaner and more secure.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “Instead of importing more than one billion euro of gas, Irish wind farms helped to push down prices and kept money at home, supporting our economy.

“We cannot be energy secure if we rely on gas markets dominated by the likes of Vladimir Putin. Together, wind and solar are helping to build a true Irish electrostate where we can power ourselves with our own clean, affordable and secure energy.”

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, added: “Solar power is unique because it is delivered at utility scale as well as on rooftops across homes, businesses, schools, farms, public and community buildings. That accessibility allows communities to generate their own clean electricity while reducing reliance on imported gas.

As this report shows, solar is already cutting exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. With Ireland scaling towards 8 GW by 2030, its contribution to affordability, energy security and local economic value will continue to grow.”