Ireland’s Desperate Race For Wind And Solar As Coal Plants Face Extinction

While Ireland chases ambitious renewable energy targets, the country finds itself in a dead sprint against time. With a goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030, the current reality is sobering. Only 32.5% of electricity came from renewables in May 2025. Not exactly stellar progress.

Wind power remains Ireland’s renewable darling, contributing 22.5% of electricity generation in May 2025 and averaging 35% over a 12-month period. With 5 GW installed capacity, wind farms need to nearly double to hit the 9 GW target in just five years. Good luck with that.

Solar power is the new kid on the block, growing an impressive 160% since 2023. Total installed capacity reached 1.76 GW by May 2025, up from a measly 684 MW. That’s progress, but still miles away from the 8 GW 2030 target. Ireland’s first utility-scale solar farm only went live in 2022. Talk about fashionably late to the renewable party.

Solar’s share of electricity generation jumped from 2.7% to 6.5% in just two years. Not bad for a country better known for rain than sunshine. A record solar output of 755 MW was achieved on May 17, 2025 – something to celebrate, at least.

But bureaucracy is killing momentum. Planning authorities move at a glacial pace. Grid integration problems persist. The growing data centre demand for electricity is further complicating Ireland’s energy transition, with these facilities now consuming 22% of total metered electricity. Regulatory clarity? Still waiting. Wind Energy Ireland and solar sector reps are begging for increased funding to speed up project approvals.

It’s not all doom and gloom. The renewable sector is creating jobs, boosting energy independence, and attracting green investment. Local communities benefit from financial incentives, and consumers gain some protection from global market shocks. The global trend shows renewables are expected to become the largest electricity source by 2025, providing Ireland a roadmap for success.

Ireland’s renewable shift is happening, just not fast enough. As coal plants face extinction, the race intensifies. Government support schemes have introduced Solar for Schools programs targeting educational institutions for rooftop installations. Will Ireland cross the finish line by 2030? The clock is ticking, and right now, it’s not looking great.