Ireland set new records for solar power on the grid in March, with 39% of electricity coming from renewable sources last month, according to provisional figures from EirGrid.
On 25 March, the country reached a new peak for grid-scale solar power with over 750MW coming from this source at one point, 18MW more than a previous record from July 2024.
Wind energy was the greatest source of power for renewables in March, at 32.6%.
This follows a new peak wind power record on the grid set in February.
In all, this March saw the third-highest ever amount of solar-powered electricity produced in the course of a calendar month.
Last month also saw further records set on the power system, with the highest ever level of discharge from grid-scale battery power sources seen on 14 March.
The just-under 300MW of power discharged from batteries during this peak is greater than the maximum output from the Turlough Hill hydropower facility, EirGrid said.
Wind power met a third of total electricity demand in March, while gas was the single biggest source of electricity generation for the month at 39%, and 18% of demand was met by electricity imported via interconnection.
Overall electricity system demand stood at 3061GWh for March.
Currently the electricity grid can accommodate up to 75% of electricity from renewable sources at any one time.
While renewable generation reached up to the 75% limit at various points in the month, there were also periods where renewable generation provided for as little as 5% of demand.
EirGrid is rolling out a programme of grid reinforcements, upgrades and new infrastructure across the country to meet government targets for 80% of electricity to be able to come from renewable energy.
System operational manager at EirGrid Charlie McGee said: “March was a landmark month for solar power on the electricity grid.
“While just under 3% of total electricity generation came from solar for the month, during particularly sunny periods this peaked at over 18% which augurs well for further records this summer.
“This is made possible by the connection of greater amounts of grid-scale solar as we work towards achieving a cleaner energy future for Ireland’s power system.
“It was also encouraging to see a new peak set for power discharged from batteries on the grid.
“February’s wind power record followed by a new solar peak in March shows the need for battery storage so we can hold greater amounts of renewable electricity in reserve for use during periods of high demand.”
