Ireland Hits 5,000 MW Wind Capacity Amid Record €450M Power Waste

Ireland set a new record with over 5,000 MW of onshore wind energy capacity but faced its worst year for wasted wind power due to grid limitations, leading to increased consumer costs and carbon emissions. Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Irish Wind Energy, urged the government to invest in grid capacity and energy storage, highlighting the North-South interconnector as critical for a modern, secure electricity grid. In the U.S., the Trump administration cut nearly $680 million in offshore wind project funding, redirecting resources toward maritime industry revitalization and port infrastructure upgrades, reflecting a shift in priorities away from renewable energy expansion. Meanwhile, critics of New York's energy policies argue that the state's aggressive climate mandates have driven up costs and reduced energy reliability, contrasting with President Trump's focus on energy dominance through deregulation, increased domestic production, and expanded energy exports. These developments illustrate ongoing tensions between renewable energy ambitions, infrastructure challenges, and political approaches to energy policy in both Ireland and the United States.