Wind power shatters records in Great Britain, raising urgent questions about energy future

In 2024, Ireland made significant strides in renewable energy, with wind farms generating nearly one-third of the island's electricity. This achievement marked a momentous milestone as the country surpassed 5,000 megawatts of installed onshore wind capacity. Despite accomplishing this substantial feat, the wind energy sector faced challenges, particularly related to grid limitations, which led to a decrease in the share of wind-generated electricity by 3% compared to the previous year. As a result, the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels increased, consequently affecting electricity bills and carbon emissions. The report from Wind Energy Ireland highlighted the importance of government support and strategic planning to overcome the challenges faced by the wind energy sector. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, emphasized that strengthening the electricity grid is crucial to accommodate the growing volume of renewable energy. With the funding announced in Budget 2025, the government aims to reinforce existing grid infrastructure, which is vital for ensuring the efficient integration of onshore wind energy. The report underlined the necessity of energy storage infrastructure for managing excess renewable energy during peak generation periods. In December 2024, wind power demonstrated its potential by contributing to 41% of the energy generation, making it the second strongest month on record. Cork wind farms led the production of wind energy among all counties, followed by Kerry, Galway, and Offaly, where new wind farms are being developed. The Irish population's growing demand for clean energy aligns with the climate goals set in the government's Climate Action Plan. With a target of 9,000 MW by 2030, Ireland is on track but requires consistent efforts in policy and infrastructure development. On a broader scale, the developments in wind energy reflect a significant transition in energy generation in Europe, especially in Great Britain, where wind power reached record levels. In 2024, wind energy generated nearly 83 terawatt-hours across Great Britain, marking a substantial reduction in fossil fuel reliance. The government aims to keep less than 5% of electricity from fossil fuels by 2030, making clean energy sources a focal point of energy policy. Both countries are paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future, but continued investment and support are essential to maintain momentum in the renewable energy sectors.