Energy provided by Ireland's wind farms has met over a third of the nation's power demand in 2023 so far, according to new research.

Compiled by Wind Energy Ireland, this report revealed a record-breaking April for wind energy, providing 35% of the country's electricity.

By reducing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels, wholesale electricity prices continued to fall to its lowest number since June 2021.

Commenting on the report, Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Ireland's wind farms are reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, supporting Irish jobs and helping to push down wholesale electricity prices while cutting the carbon emissions which are fuelling the climate emergency.

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"We know we can make an even bigger difference if we can connect more wind farms and this week saw significant progress with the closure of our first ever auction for offshore wind energy and the publication of the terms and conditions for the next onshore renewables auction.

"The best way out of the current energy crisis is to accelerate the development of renewable energy and the Government is helping to do just that by setting out a clear auction timetable."

Mr Cunniffe also called for a more streamlined planning system in order to progress as many wind projects as possible.

He continued: "We are expecting a small number of wind projects to be competing in the next auction. This is not because the pipeline is not there, we have more than 10 GW of onshore projects in development, but because so many of our projects are being delayed in the planning system.

"We will not achieve our Climate Action Plan targets, much less energy independence, with a planning system that is simply not fit for purpose. This year’s budget must prioritise proper resourcing for An Bord Pleanála, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, local authorities and key environmental stakeholders."

Wind Energy Ireland produced this report with EirGrid's SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid and on market data provided by ElectroRoute.