Ireland recorded a new milestone in its energy transition this March, reaching an all-time high in solar power generation with over 750 MW fed into the electricity grid at one point. Provisional data from EirGrid, the national grid operator, confirms that this figure surpasses the previous record set in July 2024 by 18 MW.

In total, 39% of the country’s electricity in March came from renewable sources, consolidating the growing role of clean energy in the national mix. While solar contributed an average of 3% for the month, it reached peaks of over 18% during certain sunny periods.

“March was a landmark month for solar power on the electricity grid,” states Charlie McGee, System Operational Manager at EirGrid. He adds: “This has been made possible by the connection of greater volumes of grid-scale solar, as we work towards achieving a cleaner energy future for Ireland.”

Compared to previous months

March’s solar record builds on a trend of increasing renewable energy generation. In February, over 55% of electricity came from renewables, with wind power alone contributing 45%. That month also saw a new wind generation record on the grid.

In January, adverse weather conditions led to a slightly lower renewable share of 44%, with gas-fired generation acting as the main source of stability in the system. Against this backdrop, March reaffirms the upward trajectory of renewable penetration in Ireland’s electricity supply.

Storage breakthroughs and operational complexity

Another notable event in March was the record-setting battery discharge on 14 March, with nearly 300 MW delivered from storage systems into the grid. This level of output exceeded that of Turlough Hill, Ireland’s primary pumped hydro facility.

“It was encouraging to see a new peak in grid-scale battery discharge,” McGee highlights. “February’s wind record followed by a new solar peak in March shows the need for battery storage so we can retain larger volumes of renewable electricity for use during periods of high demand.”

Operating at high renewable penetration

Ireland’s grid can currently operate with up to 75% of electricity from non-synchronous sources—such as wind, solar and hydro—at any given time. This capacity, known as the System Non-Synchronous Penetration (SNSP) limit, is one of the highest globally and presents an ongoing technical challenge.

In March, the system hit the 75% SNSP limit on several occasions. However, there were also periods when renewables accounted for as little as 5% of demand. This highlights the continued importance of gas-fired generation and electricity imports in ensuring system reliability during low-output periods.

Total electricity demand stood at 3,061 GWh for the month, with gas making up the largest single source at 39%, followed by wind at 33%. Interconnection accounted for 18% of the supply.

Progress towards 80% renewable electricity

The Irish Government’s stated target is for 80% of electricity to come from renewables, a goal that requires major transformation of the national grid. EirGrid is leading the way with an unprecedented programme of grid reinforcement, modernisation and new infrastructure, enabling the integration of new projects while maintaining system security.

“We are working towards a system that is cleaner, more efficient and more resilient,” McGee says. “The progress seen in solar, wind and storage proves that we are heading in the right direction.”

With one of the world’s highest operational thresholds for non-synchronous renewables and consecutive monthly records in wind, solar and storage, Ireland is positioning itself as a leading system for renewable energy integration in Europe. All eyes are now on the coming summer months, which are expected to bring even higher solar peaks thanks to increased irradiation and installed capacity.