Ireland’s energy landscape is changing fast, driven by ambitious climate goals, growing electricity demand, and the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels. In 2025, the country is seeing major strides in wind and solar power, while facing new pressures from sectors like data centres. The overall energy status is evolving, reflecting these developments.

This article explores the current energy status in Ireland, with insights into renewable progress, fossil fuel dependence, infrastructure pressures, and what the future holds.

Current Energy Mix: Fossil Fuels Still Dominate

Despite notable progress in renewable energy, Ireland still relies heavily on fossil fuels for its overall energy status.

• As of 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82.7% of Ireland’s primary energy use.
• This marks an improvement from 91.4% in 2013, showing steady but slow progress.
• Renewables made up 14.1% of the total primary energy in 2023.

Key takeaway: Electricity is getting greener, but heating, transport, and industry still rely heavily on gas and oil.

Wind Power: A Driving Force in Clean Energy

Wind energy remains Ireland’s most successful renewable source—and it’s growing fast.

• In January 2025, wind farms generated 1,272 GWh, covering one-third of Ireland’s electricity needs.
• Wind energy saved the country over €1.2 billion on gas imports in 2024.
• The government’s target: 9 GW of onshore wind by 2030, alongside at least 5 GW of offshore wind.

Wind is not only reducing emissions but also improving energy security and lowering import dependency.

Solar Energy: Small But Rapidly Growing

Though solar power contributes a smaller share, it’s expanding rapidly:

• The Government aims to reach 8 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
• Improvements in solar panel efficiency have made solar more viable in Ireland’s mild climate.
• More businesses and homes are adopting rooftop solar systems with SEAI grants available.

Data Centres: A Growing Energy Burden

One of the biggest challenges facing Ireland’s energy grid in 2025 is the rise of data centres:

• In 2023, data centres consumed 21% of the national electricity supply.
• Their energy use has sparked concern over grid reliability and environmental sustainability.
• As a result, new data centre developments in the Dublin region are on hold until 2028 to avoid risk of blackouts.

⚠️ Balancing digital infrastructure with national energy goals is proving increasingly complex.

Is Nuclear Energy Back on the Table?

For decades, nuclear power was off-limits in Ireland—but recent conversations suggest that may change.

• Politicians, including Fianna Fáil’s James O’Connor, are calling for serious debate on nuclear power, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs).
• Supporters say nuclear could offer stable, low-carbon baseload power to complement wind and solar.
• Critics remain concerned about cost, safety, and public perception.

The government has yet to commit, but nuclear is no longer a taboo subject in energy policy discussions.

Government Targets: Renewable Electricity by 2030

Ireland’s climate and energy targets are among the most ambitious in Europe:

• 80% of electricity to come from renewables by 2030
• Major investment in wind, solar, battery storage, and interconnection with other European grids
• Continued rollout of Smart Meters and Time-of-Use tariffs to improve energy efficiency

A Nation in Transition

Ireland is making clear progress towards a greener energy future—but the path isn’t without obstacles. From fossil fuel dependency and infrastructure challenges to balancing data demand and climate goals, the coming years will be critical.

With wind and solar power at the forefront, and debates around nuclear energy heating up, Ireland’s energy landscape is entering a pivotal era of change.

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