The wind energy industry could be worth €38 billion to the Irish economy, an industry report has forecast. 

Wind is Ireland’s largest source of renewable energy; whereas in 1990, 0% of Irish electricity came from wind, by 2020 it was 36%. 

On one particularly windy day in August last year, wind generated close to two thirds of Ireland’s electricity consumption. 

The Government’s aim is to roughly double the production of renewable energy consumption to 80% of all electricity by 2030 and to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Wind turbines in Kilgarvan, Kerry. Image: David Creedon / Alamy

Following publication of its report, Wind Energy Ireland CEO Noel Cunniffe said the shift to renewables would help transform the Irish economy. 

“Offshore wind energy is not just about cutting carbon emissions, it’s about providing cheaper power and it really is the future economic strategy for our country,” he said. 

“Every offshore windfarm means new investment and it means high-quality green jobs and better energy security for our future.” 

Currently, there are roughly 5,000 people working in the wind energy sector in Ireland but Mr Cunniffe believes that will increase significantly in the years ahead. 

Wind turbines at Carnsore Point in County Wexford. 9/5/2005 Photo Photocall Ireland

“If industry and Government can work together, they can deliver those jobs, they can roll out those skills programmes and we can really make a meaningful impact on both climate emissions and benefit our economy for years to come,” he said. 

According to Met Éireann, 2023 was Ireland’s warmest on record and scientists are concerned the earth will soon warm 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Main image: Engineers climbing wind turbine at offshore wind farm.