Ireland’s renewable electricity up in 2015

Renewable electricity has increased significantly through 2015. It now contributes to one-quarter of all electricity used. The findings have been published by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The report, Renewable Electricity in Ireland 2015 shows that renewables have made a significant contribution to energy sources and are the second largest source of electricity behind gas.

The findings include 80% of renewable electricity being generated in Ireland from wind power which accounts for 75% of the avoided carbon dioxide emissions. The remaining electricity comes from a range of technologies including hydropower, biomass, waste and landfill gas.

Dr Eimear Cotter, SEAI Head of Low Carbon Technologies said:

"Ireland is making significant progress in decarbonising our electricity system. Renewable energy accounted for a quarter of our electricity requirements in 2015, dramatically reducing fossil fuel imports. It also avoided 3 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere, contributing to action on climate change. In addition, the economy benefits from the use of local and indigenous renewable energy which brings with it local jobs and enterprise opportunities.” “We know that renewables in electricity generation helps to lower CO2 emissions, but we still have an electricity system that is heavily reliant on carbon emitting fossil fuels. With 2020 renewable electricity targets approaching, we need to intensify action to increase the contribution of all renewables in our electricity mix.”