Ireland ranks second in the world for wind energy generation, with one third of our 2019 electricity supply coming from wind energy, according to a new study.

The recently published Renewables Global Status Report from think tank REN 21 says Ireland is second only to Denmark in terms of wind generation rates.

Last year Denmark generated an estimated 47% of its electricity demand, with Ireland generating 32.5 %. Denmark’s supply is supported by its large offshore wind sector.

Ireland is also one of only four countries in the world which fulfilled more than 30% of its electricity demand last year from renewable sources such as wind or solar power.

Inaugural renewable energy auction

Last week saw the opening of the first auction of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) following state aid approval of the scheme by the EU.

Under the RESS, renewable energy generators bid in an auction for capacity and receive a guaranteed price for the power generated for up to 16 years.

The results from the first RESS auction are not expected to be known for a number of months. The RESS will operate for a five year period to 2025 (with an option to extend), with a series of auctions planned to take place.