Wind energy's contribution to grid fell 11% in July due to calm weather

Cork saw the highest wind energy generation out of any county, with 80 GWh, followed by Kerry, with 66 GWh

Wind power contributed 656 gigawatt hours to the national grid during July. 

The warmer and calmer weather seen in July resulted in wind energy’s contribution to the national grid dropping 11% compared to last year, new data shows.

According to Wind Energy Ireland, last month 656 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity was generated from wind in Ireland, which accounted for 22% of Ireland’s electricity use. Cork saw the highest wind energy generation out of any county, with 80 GWh.

It was followed by Kerry, with 66 GWh generated and Galway with 55 GWh.

Solar power and other renewables accounted for 7% of Ireland’s electricity during the month. 

Director of external affairs at Wind Energy Ireland Justin Moran said solar energy was now making a "significant contribution" over the summer, which will increase as more solar farms come on stream. 

To secure our supply of clean energy, we need to build onshore wind farms, offshore, new solar farms, battery projects and reinforce the electricity grid in just a few short years.

“Recent investments in An Bord Pleanála have sped up the decision-making process on planning applications for renewable energy projects and we hope that this will continue.” 

According to Wind Energy Ireland, the average wholesale price of electricity per megawatt-hour during July was €110.94, up slightly from €107.74 in June.