IRELAND recorded its highest ever level of daily solar energy generation this week – with the moment deemed a “major milestone” by Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien.
Data released by EirGrid revealed that solar generation topped 1,258 MW just before 1pm yesterday (August 12) – the highest daily level witnessed so far in Ireland.
That means solar energy accounted for approximately one third of all electricity being used at that time across the country.
Coincidentally the record was made on the same day that the country witnessed a partial solar eclipse.
"This week has seen a major milestone – establishing a new daily record for grid-scale solar energy,” Minister O’Brien said.
Solar energy provision has hit a record high in Ireland this week“It’s fitting that this happens in a week where we witnessed a historic solar eclipse,” he added.
Solar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the national grid in Ireland.
The new daily peak follows a report by EirGrid'which revealed July was a record month for solar energy across Ireland.
"We currently have over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network,” Mr O’Brien said.
“To put that into perspective, we have added approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity in just ten years.
“That includes a doubling of our wind energy capacity, along with establishing a strong solar energy supply,” he explained.
“Just over 10 years ago there were 2 MW (megawatts) of solar in Ireland. Now there are over 2.6 GW (gigawatts).
“A rooftop revolution is underway, as households take up government grant supports to install rooftop solar.”
Minister O’Brien said the gradual transition to renewable energy sources has seen solar energy now “firmly established as a key pillar of our electricity supply”.
He explained: “From rooftop installations to utility-scale solar farms, solar is now the third highest supplier of indigenously generated electricity to the electricity grid.”
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