Solar energy production in Ireland doubled over 160% since the year 2023.
Ireland's Soaring Solar Ambitions
Take a glimpse at Ireland's rapidly growing solar scene - it's solar power surge has seen a whopping 160% increase since 2023, according to recent data[2]. Recently, solar power met an astounding 21.1% of national demand at 1:45 pm on May 18 this year[2].
Solar power is now supplying electricity needs for over 370,000 homes and preventing a staggering 395,000 tonnes of carbon emissions yearly[2]. May proved to be a record-breaker for Irish solar power, accounting for 6.5% of the country's total electricity demand, up from 3.2% in May last year[2].
19 utility-scale solar farm sites are now operational, accounting for just over 50% of total installed capacity[2]. Another significant factor contributing to this growth is microgeneration from rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses, with over 138,000 homes now equipped with rooftop solar, representing 576 MW of capacity[2].
Ronan Power, CEO of Solar Ireland, praised the rapid progress of solar power, stating, "Solar has moved from a concept to essential national infrastructure, delivering clean power to hundreds of thousands of homes, supporting local jobs, and cutting carbon emissions at scale"[2].
KPMG's analysis reveals solar not only offers tangible climate benefits but also fosters job creation, investment, and long-term resilience[3]. Reports project up to €7.3 billion economic output for the sector between now and 2030[3].
"Ireland's solar future depends on converting strong momentum into sustained delivery. With more than 21 GW of solar and solar-hybrid projects in the pipeline, the sector is well positioned to play a leading role in meeting Ireland's 2030 climate targets," said Power[2].
However, challenges remain. Due to planning delays and market uncertainties, Ireland might fall short of its 2030 solar PV target by up to 2.9 GW[4], potentially impacting the country's overall renewable energy goals[4]. To ensure Ireland's solar ambitions are met, continued government support, streamlined planning processes, and financing mechanisms will be crucial[1][3][4].
Ireland's aggressively ambitious plans for solar energy expansion are integral components of its broader renewable energy and climate goals set for 2030[1]. To achieve these ambitious targets, the country aims for renewable generation to account for 80% of electricity demand by 2030, with solar energy expected to contribute significantly by reaching an installed capacity of around 8 GW by then[1].
- The surge in Ireland's solar power has been impressive, with solar energy serving over 370,000 homes and preventing carbon emissions of about 395,000 tonnes yearly, as noted in environmental science reports.
- Ireland's solar ambitions are not just about reducing carbon footprint; they also focus on financial gains, as KPMG's analysis suggests that solar power fosters job creation, investment, and could generate up to €7.3 billion economic output for the sector between now and 2030.
- To turn Ireland's soaring solar ambitions into reality, it's crucial to address challenges such as planning delays and market uncertainties. This will require continued government support, streamlined planning processes, and financing mechanisms, as highlighted in various industry reports.
