Ireland continues to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, despite significant growth in renewable energy, according to new data published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

In its preview of its annual Energy Supply and Security of Supply report, the SEAI found that imports met 78.2% of Ireland's total energy requirements in 2025, well above the latest EU average of 57.3%.

Almost 93% of those imports were fossil fuels, with Ireland importing all of its oil and coal and more than 82% of its natural gas.

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Renewables records

Renewable energy accounted for a record 15.9% of Ireland's total energy requirement in 2025, up 6.8% on the previous year, while fossil fuel use fell by 4.7%.

Coal consumption declined by almost 45%, contributing to a 3.7% reduction in energy-related emissions, the lowest level recorded in more than 30 years.

The UK remained Ireland's largest energy supplier, providing 55.5% of imports, followed by the United States at 16.9% and EU countries at 16.2%.

Wind remained Ireland's largest renewable energy source, while solar PV recorded the fastest growth, increasing by 50% compared with 2024.

Renewables now account for almost two-thirds of Ireland's indigenous energy production.