Wind energy provided 31% of Ireland's electricity needs in October

More than 30% of Ireland's electricity was provided by wind energy in October following a period of early winter storms, with last month also posting the lowest carbon intensity month on record.

New figures from Wind Energy Ireland now show that a third of all Ireland's electricity is provided by wind, however, more moderate weather in October saw the annual volume drop when compared to the same period last year. 

Despite this, chief executive of Wind Energy Ireland, Noel Cunniffe said that while figures were down, Ireland is still "still on track for a strong performance" with wind generation so far this year "nearly 3% higher than last year."

Mr Cunniffe also stressed the need for more sustainable energy developments, adding that, "the quicker we can build wind farms, the sooner we can rely on Irish renewable energy to provide our electricity and the sooner we can cut our carbon emissions. 

"The more renewable energy we can connect, the more secure we make Ireland’s energy supply.”

New figures also show that while wholesale electricity rose again last month due to high fossil-fuel costs, there was still nearly a €70 difference between the wholesale cost of electricity on the windiest days and days relied on almost entirely by fossil fuels – €101.66 and €170.79 respectively.

The average wholesale price for a megawatt-hour of electricity in October was €125.52, reflecting a 12% increase month-on-month. 

“The increases we are seeing in electricity prices are driven by the price of imported fossil-fuels," Mr Cunniffe continued. 

“Electricity generated from Irish wind energy replaces those imported fossil fuels. The more wind we can get on the system, the less we have to rely on expensive imported gas and the more we can do to help households struggling with high energy costs."