Ireland is tapping into wind power to lead in renewable energy

Ireland’s wind energy sector continues to experience rapid growth, with significant developments in both onshore and offshore wind. The country has set ambitious renewable energy targets, positioning itself as a leader in Europe’s energy transition.

Installed capacity and growth

• Total capacity: As of mid-2024, Ireland’s total wind energy capacity reached 4.85 GW, reflecting steady growth in recent years. While wind remains a dominant renewable energy source in Ireland, the country is working to accelerate the expansion of both onshore and offshore wind to meet its climate goals.
• Onshore wind: Ireland installed 50 MW of new onshore wind capacity in the first half of 2024, bringing its total onshore wind capacity to 4.83 GW. Despite challenges in permitting, onshore wind remains the backbone of Ireland’s renewable electricity generation.
• Offshore wind: Ireland’s offshore wind capacity remains modest, with only 25 MW currently installed. However, the government has announced several large-scale offshore wind projects, aiming to significantly expand offshore capacity in the coming years.

Government ambitions

• 2030 target: Ireland has set a target of 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, as part of its broader plan to decarbonize the electricity sector and increase the share of renewable energy.
• 2050 target: Looking further ahead, Ireland aims to generate 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050, positioning itself as a major player in the European offshore wind market.

Current and upcoming projects

• Arklow Bank Wind Park (Phase 2) – Ireland’s first major offshore wind project, expected to add 520 MW of offshore wind capacity in the coming years.
• Dunmore East Offshore Wind Project – Planned for completion by 2028, this 600 MW development will contribute significantly to Ireland’s renewable energy mix.
• Moneypoint Offshore Wind Farm – A large-scale project located in the Shannon Estuary, aiming to generate up to 1.5 GW of offshore wind power by the mid-2030s.
• Onshore wind expansion – Onshore wind remains a key component of Ireland’s energy system. The Ballybane Wind Farm, scheduled for completion in 2025, will add 150 MW to the national grid.

Recent developments

• Offshore wind auction: In 2024, Ireland held its first offshore wind auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), awarding new offshore wind capacity to developers. This marks a major step toward scaling up Ireland’s offshore wind sector.
• EU and global partnerships: Ireland continues to strengthen strategic partnerships with leading European energy firms, including Ørsted and Iberdrola, to develop offshore wind projects and improve grid infrastructure.
• Green hydrogen potential: Ireland is actively exploring green hydrogen production by integrating offshore wind with hydrogen electrolysers, a key strategy for decarbonizing heavy industry and transport by 2030.

With 4.85 GW of total wind capacity as of mid-2024, including 4.83 GW of onshore wind, Ireland remains committed to expanding its wind energy sector. While offshore wind is still in its early stages, new auctions and government policies are paving the way for large-scale projects.

Ireland’s goal of 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and 30 GW by 2050 demonstrates its ambition to become a key renewable energy hub in Europe. As new projects, investments, and partnerships continue to emerge, Ireland is well-positioned to play a major role in Europe’s clean energy transition.

This information is updated in March 2025

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