The Power of Renewable Energy

The Power of Renewable Energy: Ireland’s Future Fuelled by Nature

Renewable energy is not just a buzzword; it’s key to a sustainable future. It’s the power that can light up every industry, every business, every community, and every home. It’s the force that combats climate change, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and shields us from energy price inflation. It’s the solution that reduces our reliance on costly, imported fossil fuels and enables Ireland to tap into its own natural resources, rolling out clean, affordable energy.

Renewable energy is virtually limitless. It allows us to harness energy from the sun, wind, and other sources. Here are some interesting facts about renewable energy in Ireland:

• Cork, the renewable energy hub: With over a dozen clean energy companies, Cork has the potential to become a major renewable energy hub.
• Wind farms galore: There are over 400 wind farms on the island of Ireland with a total installed capacity of almost 6,000MW. *
• A major contributor: In 2023, wind farms provided 35% of Ireland’s electricity. *
• A European leader: Per capita, Ireland ranks second in Europe for wind and solar energy production. **
• Cost savings: Every time a wind turbine generates electricity, this leads to a decrease in wholesale energy prices. *
• Ideal for offshore wind: Ireland has over 3,000km of coastline, making it an ideal location for offshore wind. ***
• Solar power in all weather: Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work and can still produce electricity on cloudy days. ****
• Longevity: A wind turbine and solar panel can generate power for up to 30 years. *****
• Economic impact: Wind energy saved Ireland €918 million in 2023, revenue that would have been spent on gas. *

Statkraft: Powering a Brighter Future for Ireland

Headquartered in Cork, Ireland’s capital of renewable energy development, Statkraft is at the forefront of this green revolution. Since 2018, when Statkraft, Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy, acquired the Irish and UK wind development businesses of the Element Power Group, our team has more than tripled.

We’ve invested approximately €450 million into the Irish business, making us one of the biggest renewable energy developers in Ireland and driving our plans to build 3GW of onshore, offshore, solar, battery, and grid services projects by 2030.

Statkraft is not just a significant player in Cork; we’re committed to the region. For example, earlier this year, we announced a partnership with Cork GAA. This partnership focuses on promoting Cork as a national hub for renewable energy generation, foster careers in the local renewable energy industry along with supporting SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh’s efforts to work towards a greener future. 

At Statkraft, we believe we can renew the way the world is powered. 

We’re here to help Ireland harness that power, for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

*Source: Wind Energy Ireland

**Source: IDA Ireland

***Source: Gov.ie

**** Source: Solar Energy Industries Association

*****Source: Office of EERE