A remarkable 41.7% of Ireland’s electricity came from renewable energy sources between 1 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Report by EirGrid Group, the national electricity grid operator. The figure highlights Ireland’s continued progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system, with significant new capacity added in solar, wind, and storage. 3u5vd

Expansion of energy infrastructure 693a1h

During the reporting period, the grid saw the addition of 239 MW of solar capacity, 214 MW of wind, and 289 MW of energy storage. Ireland also recorded a new peak electricity demand of 5,557 MW and a record wind energy generation peak of 3,866 MW.

Key infrastructure developments included the commencement of construction on the Celtic Interconnector, Ireland’s first direct electricity link to mainland Europe, and continued work on major initiatives such as Powering Up Dublin, the North Connacht 110 kV project, and planning for the East Meath–North Dublin Grid Upgrade.

Financial performance and regulatory challenges 3e2t2q

EirGrid reported a pre-tax profit of €9.8 million, a significant decline from €71.2 million the previous year. The drop was primarily due to costs associated with Article 13.7 of the Clean Energy Package and regulatory timing issues. Adjusting for over- and under-recoveries, the underlying profit for 2024 was €25.6 million, down from €40.6 million in 2023. Despite the decrease, the group proposes to maintain a €4 million dividend payment to the Government, unchanged from the previous year.

Commitment to sustainability and community engagement 4r5d2l

EirGrid also advanced its sustainability and biodiversity efforts, including the installation of bird diverters along 31.7 km of overhead lines. Community engagement was a strong focus, with over 900 participants attending nine Energy Citizen Roadshows and nearly €1 million in Community Benefit Funding distributed to 43 local groups.

EirGrid Group Chair Brendan Tuohy stated: “EirGrid has delivered a strong performance in operating the electricity system safely and reliably under challenging conditions, while progressing our 2020–2025 strategy and contributing to the Government’s climate objectives. Expanding Ireland’s electricity grid capacity is crucial for our economic competitiveness and our ability to lead in future technologies.”

Newly appointed CEO Cathal Marley, who took up the role in April 2025, added: “We achieved significant milestones during 2023–24. In the year ahead, we will continue to drive the transition to a decarbonised electricity system, working closely with stakeholders to the collective effort required to meet Ireland’s climate goals.”

With these developments, Ireland continues to establish itself as a European leader in renewable energy, balancing innovation, infrastructure, and community to meet its ambitious decarbonisation targets.