Wind accounts for 72% of renewable electricity generation in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New official statistics in development published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department for the Economy (DfE) present information on renewable electricity generation in Northern Ireland for the 12 month period January 2025 to December 2025.
Key findings
- Renewable sources provided 47% of Northern Ireland's total electricity consumption in 2025 (4,073 GWh out of 8,755 GWh), up from 44% in 2024
- Wind power dominated renewable generation, accounting for nearly three quarters (72%) of all renewable electricity produced. Bioenergy (biomass and biogas) contributed a further 20%, with solar at 6%, and hydro/tidal and landfill gas each contributing 1%.
- Of all electricity generated in Northern Ireland in 2025, renewable and non-renewable sources contributed equally (50% each) out of a total of 8,178 GWh generated.
- Overall electricity demand has fallen by 9% over the past seven years, from 8,755 GWh in 2025 compared to 9,569 GWh in 2018.
- Northern Ireland imported more electricity than it exported in 2025, with net imports of 578 GWh, a significant increase compared to net imports of 92 GWh in 2024. Northern Ireland's grid connects to both Great Britain and Ireland, with this interconnection helping to maintain grid stability.
- The volume of renewable electricity generated (4,073 GWh) was equivalent to 47% of Gross Final Electricity Consumption (8,755 GWh).
About this publication
This publication presents information on renewable electricity generation in Northern Ireland in the context of all electricity generation, distribution and use. With a particular focus on renewable electricity generation, this publication aids reporting on performance against the commitments in the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy and the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 target which is to “ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption is from renewable sources by 2030.”
This report is currently published quarterly, in March, June, September and December.
Further information
For the full report: Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland
View background information: Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation Statistics | Department for the Economy