Five new wind energy projects were approved in the second quarter of this year, the highest level of approvals since Q1 2025, while one project was refused planning permission.
The five projects will add a combined generation capacity of 311 MW, enough to power just over 180,000 homes each year, according to figures published by industry group Wind Energy Ireland.
The approvals represent an improvement on the first quarter, when no new wind farms were approved.
However, the number of wind farm projects awaiting a planning decision has risen 70% since the same period in 2024.
Affordable power
Welcoming the planning decisions, Justin Moran, director of external affairs with Wind Energy Ireland, said: “The increase in planning approvals during the second quarter is welcome and badly needed.
“Each of these new wind farms will strengthen our energy security and supply clean, affordable power to Irish homes and businesses. After a slow start to the year, this positive momentum must be maintained.”
Despite the five positive decisions, the report highlighted a growing backlog of wind energy projects awaiting decisions from An Coimisiún Pleanála.
There are now 48 projects, representing 2,668 MW of potential renewable energy capacity, awaiting a decision, up from 31 projects (1,643 MW) in Q2 2025 and 28 projects (1,683 MW) in Q2 2024.
More than 1,000 MW of the capacity currently in the planning system, 18 projects, has been awaiting a decision for over a year, including 277 MW, five projects, that has been in the system for more than two years.
Moran continued: “Projects are applying for planning permission faster than An Coimisiún Pleanála is able to make a decision.
“Every project waiting for a decision is an opportunity to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels, provide more affordable electricity and support jobs and investment in communities across Ireland.
“We need the positive momentum seen during the second quarter to accelerate – so that the backlog can be reduced and projects can move more quickly from planning into construction.
"That will require continued investment in planning capacity across State agencies to ensure projects can be robustly assessed and the right decisions made.”
July wind figures
WEI's Q2 Planning Report comes after a strong July for wind energy, during which wind farms on the island of Ireland generated 763 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, enough to meet 23% of the country’s electricity demand.
Galway led Ireland in wind energy generation in July, producing 69 GWh of electricity.
The result came in the same month as the county's All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship victory.
Galway was closely followed by Offaly (67 GWh), Kerry (57 GWh), Mayo (55 GWh) and Donegal (54 GWh).
The increased use of gas last month coincided with a rise in the average wholesale price for electricity, which increased €20 from June to €155.54 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in July. This was the highest monthly price so far in 2026.
However, when wind generation was at its highest, average wholesale electricity prices dropped to €125.43 per megawatt-hour, 38% lower than the €202.97 price seen on days when Ireland relied more heavily on imported fossil fuels.
Important role
Moran concluded: “July's generation figures are a reminder of the important role wind farms play in powering homes, businesses and communities across Ireland.
“Counties like Galway are making a significant contribution to our electricity supply, but to build on this progress, we need renewable energy projects moving faster through the planning system.
“Every project that secures planning permission brings us closer to a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy system for Ireland.”
Looking ahead, a planning decision on the first of Ireland’s Phase One offshore wind energy projects is expected during the third quarter of 2026, marking an important milestone in the development of Ireland’s offshore wind sector.
Moran added: “The first planning decision for a Phase One offshore wind project will be a landmark moment for Ireland’s energy transition.”
“Ireland has an enormous offshore wind resource and unlocking its potential will be critical to making our county energy secure. Developing these projects will help protect consumers from volatile international fossil fuel prices, support economic growth and drive significant investment in our ports, coastal communities and electricity grid.”