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Ireland has recorded more than 1 GW of electricity generated from grid-scale solar power for the first time, according to EirGrid , the operator responsible for balancing the country’s electricity supply and demand. This new record reflects the progress of large solar farms connected to the national transmission system.
The large increase in solar power generation on the Irish grid
This growth shows a clear acceleration compared to the figures recorded in 2025, when large-scale solar power reached peaks of nearly 750 MW in March and 755 MW in May. Before the new peak, the highest recorded figure was 983 MW on March 21. According to EirGrid, 1 GW of electricity is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 500,000 customers. The company attributes this progress to the increase in solar farms connected to the national electricity grid.
The record comes as EirGrid moves forward with an €18.9 billion investment program to strengthen Ireland’s transmission system. The funding, backed by the regulator and the government, aims to facilitate the integration of more renewable energy, including solar and wind. Furthermore, the company believes that expanding the electricity infrastructure will be vital to improving energy independence , increasing security of supply, and supporting regional economic growth.
Although onshore wind power remains the country’s main renewable energy source, grid-scale solar power is showing sustained growth. Between February 2025 and January 2026, solar covered 3.1% of electricity demand, compared to 33.2% supplied by onshore wind. Similarly, EirGrid data shows a steady trend: large-scale solar covered 1.1% of demand in 2023, 2% in 2024, and 3.1% in 2025.
The increase in grid-connected renewable generation also supports the electrification of sectors such as transport and housing, including electric vehicle charging . For the Irish government, the deployment of wind and solar power and grid infrastructure will be essential to reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, noted that wind and solar power will play an increasingly important role in supplying electricity to homes, businesses, and farms. Cathal Marley, CEO of EirGrid, stated that the new registration demonstrates progress in integrating renewable energy and in the technical management of the balance between renewable and conventional generation.
Source and photo: EirGrid