Ireland was unable to use 15% of the wind energy generated during the first half of 2026 because the electricity grid could not carry the power, according to new analysis from Wind Energy Ireland.

Based on EirGrid figures, the industry group said enough renewable electricity to power around 667,000 homes, roughly every household in Dublin, Westmeath and Wicklow combined, was lost between January and June as grid constraints prevented wind farms from supplying all of the electricity they generated.

The figures highlight the challenge facing Ireland's energy transition, with renewable generation increasing faster than the infrastructure needed to transport, store and use it.

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Generation

Despite the lost energy, Irish wind farms recorded their strongest June on record, generating 985 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, meeting 31% of Ireland's electricity demand and surpassing the previous June record set in 2025.

Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs at Wind Energy Ireland, said: “In the first six months of this year, 15 per cent of Ireland’s most affordable electricity was wasted because our existing grid was simply not strong enough to carry all the power that our wind farms produced to Irish homes and businesses.

“Every unit of renewable electricity we lose is a missed opportunity to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels and lower electricity costs for Irish consumers and businesses.

“That's why we need to accelerate investment in the electricity grid, energy storage and other technologies that allow us to make full use of renewable power when it is available.”