2018 has been revealed as a record-breaking year for renewable energy usage in Ireland.

According to new analysis from EirGrid, renewable energy accounted for one-third of electricity used in Ireland last year, marking the highest ever levels of renewable generation on the Irish power system.

32% of electricity demand in Ireland during 2018 was met by renewable sources, with an even higher figure of 36% in Northern Ireland. The figures have increased from last year's 30% and 31% respectively.

-- Advertisement --

Ireland is currently on track to meet its target of 40% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2020.

Mark Foley, EirGrid chief executive, commented: "These figures are very reassuring in the context of the 2020 targets. We are pushing the laws of physics in order to meet the challenge of integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy onto the electricity system and it is encouraging to see the positive results of this work."

Key findings of the analysis found that wind power makes up the majority of the renewable resources, followed by hydro-power and solar-power.

(CM/MH)