Wind farms supplied 41% of Ireland’s electricity in March, according to data released today by industry body Wind Energy Ireland. The sector generated 1,537 GWh of power, narrowly outpacing all other energy sources for the second month in a row.
County Kerry clawed back its position as the leading wind energy producer, generating approximately 160 GWh. Cork followed at 138 GWh, while Offaly moved into third place with 120 GWh. Galway and Tyrone completed the top five with 113 GWh and 108 GWh, respectively.
Market volatility and price impacts
Despite the strong output from wind, wholesale electricity prices climbed 19% in March compared to February. Wind Energy Ireland attributed the rise to surging European gas prices, which spiked following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East in late February.
The average wholesale price for electricity in March reached €128.77 per megawatt-hour. However, the data highlights a sharp disparity in costs based on the energy mix. On days with high wind output, the average price dropped to €94.20 per megawatt-hour. Conversely, when the grid relied heavily on imported fossil fuels, prices jumped to €179.10.
Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said the figures demonstrate the vulnerability of the national grid to global fossil fuel markets. He noted that the contribution from wind farms effectively halved the wholesale price of power on high-output days compared to those when the country relied on imported gas.
"This is the world's second fossil fuel energy crisis in less than five years," Cunniffe said. "The solution is clear, build an Irish electrostate which can rely on our own clean, affordable and secure electricity supplies."
European gas prices remain under pressure. Records show that by April 9, prices were 45% higher than they had been on February 27. While the wind sector helped mitigate the severity of these costs, the March 2026 average price remains the highest since March 2025, when prices hit an average of €131.80.
