The latest Cutting Carbon, Cutting Bills report, produced by Baringa and commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland, reveals that renewable energy sources saved up to €13 million daily in gas and carbon costs during last winter's periods of peak demand.

Throughout 2025, wind generation totalling 13.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) displaced more than €1.4 billion in gas and carbon expenses across the island of Ireland. Solar farms contributed an additional €115 million in savings. Combined, wind and solar power slashed spending on gas for electricity by over €1.1 billion in Ireland and Northern Ireland, providing a critical buffer against volatile fossil fuel markets.

An additional €426 million was saved on carbon credits, bringing the total all-island financial benefit to more than €1.5 billion. The report notes that these savings were most significant during the winter months when demand and prices were at their highest. February proved to be the most productive month for wind, with renewables reducing expenditure by €225 million in that month alone.

Environmentally, the shift away from fossil fuels avoided over 5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions across the island in 2025. This reduction is equivalent to the annual energy-related emissions of approximately 1.2 million households. Since 2022, wind energy has saved a total of €6.7 billion that would have otherwise been spent on imported gas and carbon credits.

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Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "Instead of importing more than one billion euro of gas, Irish wind farms helped to push down prices and kept money at home, supporting our economy.

"We cannot be energy secure if we rely on gas markets dominated by the likes of Vladimir Putin. Together, wind and solar are helping to build a true Irish electrostate where we can power ourselves with our own clean, affordable and secure energy."

Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, added: "Solar power is unique because it is delivered at utility scale as well as on rooftops across homes, businesses, schools, farms, public and community buildings. That accessibility allows communities to generate their own clean electricity while reducing reliance on imported gas.

"As this report shows, solar is already cutting exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. With Ireland scaling towards 8 GW by 2030, its contribution to affordability, energy security and local economic value will continue to grow."

• January 2026 Performance

The momentum has continued into 2026, with wind farms supplying 34 per cent of Ireland's electricity in January. Generating roughly 1,400 GWh, it was one of the strongest January performances on record, even as electricity demand hit a record high of 4,087 GWh due to cold weather.

Wholesale electricity prices for January averaged €126.95 per megawatt-hour, a sharp decrease from €167.51 in January 2025. On the windiest days, these prices dropped to an average of €101.84, compared to €145.84 on days reliant on fossil fuels.

However, the Baringa report also highlighted that grid capacity issues resulted in wasted energy. Some wind farms were forced to shut down because the network could not accommodate the available renewable power. According to Infranua, Offaly was the top-producing county for wind energy in January (179 GWh), followed by Kerry (168 GWh), Cork (155 GWh), Tyrone (138 GWh), and Tipperary (111 GWh).

Noel Cunniffe continued: "January's figures show the benefits of wind energy but even more could be achieved if we invest further in Ireland's electricity grid. Every time clean electricity is wasted due to grid constraints, consumers pay more for dirtier, imported, energy.

"Strengthening our electricity network is essential if we are to fully enjoy the benefits of Ireland's renewable resources and to protect families and businesses from the fossil fuel market."

The January report is based on EirGrid's SCADA data as compiled by MullanGrid, with market analysis by ElectroRoute and county-level data from Infranua.