Energy Security
NISA is keenly aware of Ireland’s need to secure its own energy future.
Ireland is one of the most energy import-dependent countries in the EU. Recent global events make it clear that this is not a sustainable situation.
Providing sufficient electricity supplies to avoid potential power shortages has become increasingly challenging.
Having our own secure energy supply will shield us from global market energy price increases.
Consider:
2019
2019
Ireland spent an estimated €4.5 billion on importing energy
2020
2020
Gas accounts for over half (52%) of all electricity generated in 2020
2021
2021
Eirgrid reports 7 amber alerts on the Irish grid system. This indicates a need for much more electricity on our grid.
2022
2022
Geopolitical instability highlights dependence on fossil fuels, with significant volatility across the market
2023
2023
Household energy bills are increasing dramatically
2024
2024
Ireland's renewable energy generation increases - energy prices begin to fall
Effect of Wind on Energy Prices
Wind Energy Ireland’s Annual Wind Energy Report for 2023 reveals how much wind energy can reduce the price of wholesale electricity. During the windiest periods of December 2023, the price of electricity per megawatt hour was almost half that of the periods with the least wind.