Solar power hits record share of Irish electricity system in July 

July's record solar output highlights the growing role of the technology in Ireland's energy mix. File picture

Solar energy reached a record share of Ireland's electricity system in July, helping renewable sources provide more than 30% of the country's power.

Figures from EirGrid show solar accounted for nearly 10% of electricity generation in July, its highest monthly contribution to date, up from 8.2% in June and 7.8% in May.

Wind energy accounted for 22% of electricity last month, generating 614 GWh, while gas remained the single largest source of electricity, providing 43% of supply, with 24% imported through interconnectors.

EirGrid said electricity demand reached 2,744 GWh in July, an increase of 68 GWh on June.

The grid operator said it is making "significant progress" in integrating renewable energy.

"The power system is now able to safely operate with up to 75% of electricity coming from variable renewable sources such as wind and solar at any one time. Work is under way to increase this to 95%,” EirGrid said.

Director of system operation Diarmaid Gillespie said July's record solar output highlighted the growing role of the technology in Ireland's energy mix.

"This follows a significant first half of the year for renewable energy, with a number of other notable milestones including a new record for wind generation in February and grid-scale solar power reaching a peak of more than 1GW of electricity for the first time in April," he said.

Meanwhile, five new wind energy projects were approved in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level of approvals since the first quarter of 2025. Only one project was refused planning permission.

Wind Energy Ireland said the projects will add a “combined generation capacity of 311MW, enough to power just over 180,000 homes each year”.

“This represents a significant improvement on the first quarter, when no new wind farms were approved," it said. 

"However, concerns are growing about the large backlog of wind farm planning decisions, with the number of projects awaiting a decision up 70% since the same period in 2024."