Wind energy provided 42% of Ireland's electricity in February, making it the country’s leading source of power last month, according to the latest report from Wind Energy Ireland.

The report shows that average wholesale electricity prices fell to €107.97 per megawatt-hour, down from €140.85 in February 2025, with high levels of wind generation playing a key role in lowering costs. On days of peak wind output, average prices dropped to €100.22 per megawatt-hour, compared with €147.67 when the system relied primarily on imported fossil fuels. These figures precede the US-Israeli attacks on Iran on 28 February.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland said: "As we have seen in recent weeks, relying on imported fossil fuels to generate electricity leaves us exposed to price shocks driven by global crises and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In the first week of March, wholesale gas prices doubled in just a few days. It is Irish families and businesses who will pay the price for our continued dependence on imported fossil fuels.

"A decarbonised energy system powered by our own energy is not just about climate action, it is about strengthening our energy security, delivering price stability and protecting consumers.

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"By building wind farms faster and at the best possible price, we can secure our supply of electricity and transform Ireland into an electrostate powered by clean, affordable, Irish energy."

County-level data shows that wind generation in February totalled approximately 1,530 gigawatt-hours (GWh), with Kerry leading at 177 GWh, followed by Cork (146 GWh), Tyrone (113 GWh), and Galway (107 GWh). Offaly generated around 106 GWh, remaining among the top five counties after taking the lead in January.

"Every month we see just how important wind energy is for Ireland and these latest figures show again the key role it plays in powering the country. Counties like Kerry, Cork, Tyrone, Galway and Offaly are great examples of what we can achieve when we make the most of our natural resources," Cunniffe said.

"Wind and solar generation saved Ireland more than €1.5 billion in gas costs in 2025, while avoiding over five million tonnes of CO₂ emissions across the island of Ireland. Instead of importing more than one billion euro of gas, Irish wind farms pushed down prices and kept money at home, supporting our economy."

Looking ahead, WEI is calling on the Irish Government to advance the EU Grids Package, which aims to streamline electricity grid planning and provide greater investment certainty.

"Ireland's wind resources are world-class but meeting our energy security and climate targets depends on turning ambition into delivery," Cunniffe said.

"We must ensure wind energy projects are delivered at scale and at pace by addressing barriers in our electricity grid which is increasingly hitting capacity. Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency is a major opportunity to shape Europe’s energy future and progress the EU Grids Package—strengthening the economy, electrifying our industry and securing a reliable supply of clean, affordable, energy for consumers."

The report is based on EirGrid SCADA data compiled by MullanGrid, market information from ElectroRoute, and county-level wind generation data from Infranua.