A new report, 'Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland: Year ending December 2025', shows that 47% of the region's gross final electricity consumption is now powered by renewable sources. This marks a steady climb from 44% in 2024 and provides a vital update on progress toward the Climate Change Act's legal requirement of reaching at least 80% by 2030.

The transition to a "Gross Final Electricity Consumption" reporting method ensures more accurate tracking of how Northern Ireland is meeting its commitments under the 'Path to Net Zero Energy' strategy. According to the data, 4,073 GWh of renewable energy was generated over the 12-month period. When looking purely at local generation, the split was exactly equal, with 50% coming from renewable sources and 50% from non-renewable sources. Wind remains the powerhouse of the local green economy, accounting for 72% of all renewable output. Other contributors included bioenergy at 20% and solar PV at 6%, with landfill gas and hydro/tidal each providing 1%.

The report also highlighted a continuing trend of falling electricity demand. Total consumption has dropped from 9,569 GWh in 2018 to 8,755 GWh in 2025.

In terms of the wider grid, Northern Ireland remained a net importer of electricity during 2025. Net imports rose significantly to 578 GWh, up from just 92 GWh in the previous year, reflecting the fluctuating balance between electricity brought into and sent out of the region.