Renewables provided a third of electricity in November — EirGrid

Kenneth Fox

Electricity from renewable sources provided for a third of total demand in November, according to provisional data from grid operator EirGrid.

The majority of renewable electricity generated last month came from windfarms, which accounted for just under 29 per cent of all electricity used in Ireland. Total generation from wind energy amounted to 869 GWh (Gigawatt hours) over the month.

Overall, renewables provided 33.3 per cent of electricity in November when other sources including grid-scale solar and hydropower included.

Overall electricity system demand stood at 3,041 GWh for November, a month which saw two new all-time demand peaks recorded on the 21st and 27th as colder weather set in.

Gas generation accounted for just over half of all electricity used in November, with 11 per cent being imported via interconnection, 3 per cent coming from coal, and the remaining 1 per cent from other sources.

EirGrid is responsible for leading Ireland's transition to a low carbon future so that 80 per cent of electricity can come from renewables, as set out in Government targets.

Currently the electricity grid can accommodate up to 75 per cent of electricity from renewable sources at any one time. This is known as the system non-synchronous penetration (SNSP) limit. EirGrid is aiming to further increase the SNSP limit.

Charlie McGee, system operational manager at EirGrid, said: “As we enter the winter months our National Control Centre plays a critical role in balancing supply and demand, as seen with the peaks recorded in November.

"This follows on from EirGrid’s annual Winter Outlook report forecasting the increase in demand to be expected at this time of year, which will be met by a mix of generation sources including renewables.”