Record levels of wind energy generation helped protect Irish consumers from sharp increases in global gas prices in April, according to new figures from Wind Energy Ireland.

Wind farms supplied 38 per cent of Ireland's electricity last month, generating a record 1,298 GWh of power and remaining the country’s largest source of electricity for the third consecutive month.

Despite continued pressure from higher gas prices, the average wholesale electricity price rose by just two per cent in April to €131.19 per megawatt-hour, compared to €128.77 in March.

The data also showed a stark contrast in electricity costs depending on the source of generation. On the windiest days, average wholesale prices fell to €101.48 per megawatt-hour, while prices climbed to €192.09 on days when Ireland relied more heavily on imported fossil fuels.

Gas markets across Europe have faced renewed volatility following US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, with prices remaining significantly above levels seen earlier in the year.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: "For the first time ever, wind farms have remained Ireland's top source of electricity for three months in a row, and on the windiest days they helped cut wholesale electricity prices by 47 per cent compared to the days when we had to rely on imported fossil fuels.

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"This shows how renewable energy can help bring stability to our electricity prices, reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and strengthen Ireland's energy security which is particularly critical when global crises drive energy prices higher.

"The more wind farms we can build, the more certainty we will have over our electricity prices and the more secure our supply of electricity. We can transform Ireland into an electrostate powered by clean, affordable, Irish energy."

The latest monthly wind energy report follows the publication of Wind Energy Ireland’s planning update for the first quarter of 2026, which highlighted ongoing challenges in the approval process for new renewable energy projects.

While no new wind farms received planning approval during Q1, the organisation said five projects have secured decisions from An Coimisiún Pleanála since the beginning of Q2, helping to build momentum within the sector.

Mr Cunniffe said accelerating planning decisions and grid connections would be key to reducing energy costs further.

"Every wind turbine generating electricity helps reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and lowers electricity costs. To deliver those benefits sooner, we need quicker planning decisions and faster grid connections for renewable energy projects," he said.

"Recent Eurostat figures show that Ireland has the highest electricity prices in Europe. The best way to bring bills down is to generate more affordable, clean energy here at home from renewable sources like wind and solar."

County Kerry remained Ireland’s leading producer of wind energy in April, generating around 154 GWh of electricity. Cork followed with 137 GWh, while Offaly produced 104 GWh. Galway and Tyrone completed the top five counties for wind generation, producing 89 GWh and 83 GWh respectively.

Together, the top three counties accounted for almost 30 per cent of Ireland's total wind power output during the month.