Ireland Renewable Energy
Renewable energy consumption as % of total EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS
Ireland's renewable energy was 12.70% in 2021, ranked 129th globally. This represents a 7.3% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2021.
Overview
Ireland's renewable energy stood at 12.70% in 2021, a decline of +1.00% from 2020. Ireland ranked 129th globally.
Ireland’s share of renewable energy in total final consumption rose from 2.30 percent in 1990 to a 2021 level of 12.70 percent, placing the country at rank 129 globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after a low point of 1.90 percent in 1997, reaching an all‑time peak of 13.70 percent in 2020 before a modest dip the following year. Over the 32‑year span, the increase reflects sustained policy support and expanding wind and solar capacity, positioning Ireland slightly below peers such as Mexico (13.00 percent) and Bolivia (12.80 percent) but above Australia (12.30 percent) and the United Kingdom (12.20 percent). The modest decline from the 2020 peak suggests that short‑term fluctuations in weather or market conditions can temper growth, yet the long‑run trend remains firmly upward. Continued investment in grid integration and offshore wind projects is likely to restore the upward momentum and push Ireland’s renewable share beyond the recent peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Renewable Energy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12.70% | −1.00% | #129 |
| 2020 | 13.70% | +1.40% | #126 |
| 2019 | 12.30% | +1.50% | #126 |
| 2018 | 10.80% | +0.70% | #135 |
| 2017 | 10.10% | +1.50% | #139 |
| 2016 | 8.60% | −0.90% | #146 |
| 2015 | 9.50% | +0.70% | #138 |
| 2014 | 8.80% | +1.10% | #144 |
| 2013 | 7.70% | +0.80% | #145 |
| 2012 | 6.90% | −0.10% | #147 |
| 2011 | 7.00% | +1.70% | #145 |
| 2010 | 5.30% | +0.00% | #153 |
| 2009 | 5.30% | +1.10% | #149 |
| 2008 | 4.20% | +0.70% | #156 |
| 2007 | 3.50% | +0.30% | #160 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw renewable energy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's renewable energy was 12.70% in 2021. Ranked 129th globally. This represents a 7.3% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's renewable energy peaked at 13.70% in 2020.
The lowest renewable energy in Ireland was 1.90% in 1995.
Ireland ranks 129th globally in renewable energy as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The renewable energy of Ireland in 2021 was 12.70%. This ranks 129th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_renewable-energy,
title = {Ireland Renewable Energy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/renewable-energy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}