Overall gas demand increases by 2% in 2024
- Gas generated 41% of Ireland’s electricity demand, peaking at 83% at times
- Growth of 67% in gas used for transport in 2024 vs 2023
Gas Networks Ireland has published its 2024 gas demand statement, highlighting the critical role gas and the national gas network played in Ireland’s energy security over the past year while continuing to support the country’s transition to renewable energy.
Overall, gas demand in Ireland increased by two per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. While wind energy continues to play a growing role in the energy mix, the gas network remains a key enabler of Ireland’s energy system, providing backup during periods of low wind and ensuring a secure and reliable electricity supply. On December 11th, there was a new record for gas demand on a single day1, highlighting the critical role of the gas network in meeting peak energy requirements.
Gas demand trends in 2024
Each month brought unique challenges and highlights for gas demand in Ireland, driven by seasonal energy requirements and changeable weather.
Gas demand reached its highest monthly level for the year in January 2024, increasing by 29 per cent month-on-month compared to December 2023, due to a cold snap.
In August, despite it being the month of lowest gas demand in 2024, gas remained the largest contributor to electricity generation during the low wind summer.
Electricity generation in 2024
Gas generated 41 per cent of all electricity in Ireland in 2024, maintaining its position as a cornerstone of the country’s electricity supply. While this marks a slight decrease from 43 per cent in 2023, gas consistently delivered power when needed most - generating the majority of electricity in nine of the year’s 12 months - reinforcing its critical role in Ireland’s energy mix.
The contribution gas made to power generation peaked at 83% in 2024 and never dropped below 10 per cent at any point in the year2, stepping in to support supply during periods of calm weather when less wind energy was available to generate electricity .
Wind energy generated 33 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in 2024, down from 35 per cent in 2023.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan said:
“Ireland’s national gas network remains a vital national infrastructure in supporting the country’s energy transition. By complementing intermittent renewable sources like wind and enabling the integration of biomethane now - and green hydrogen in the future - the gas network is at the heart of Ireland’s energy system.”
“The net zero transformation pathway that Gas Networks Ireland is undertaking moves us forward towards a repurposed, resized, and fully decarbonised gas network by 2045, ensuring a secure and reliable energy supply while supporting Ireland's climate and energy goals.”
Gas in transport sees significant growth
2024 was a landmark year for gas in transport, with annual demand increasing by 67 per cent compared to 2023 and a 98 per cent increase in December year-on-year, highlighting growing interest in compressed natural gas (CNG) and its renewable equivalent, BioCNG.
Nyhan added: “The 67 percent increase in demand for gas in transport in 2024 is a positive reflection of the sector’s shift towards cleaner fuel solutions. Fuelling heavy goods vehicles with CNG can reduce emissions by up to 22 percent and fuelling with BioCNG - produced from renewable sources - offers a carbon neutral option for Ireland’s haulage industry.
“With commercial transport responsible for up to 20 per cent of Ireland’s transport emissions, BioCNG represents a viable and sustainable solution for the commercial road transport sector, where electric alternatives are not yet feasible. The opening of Ireland’s first dedicated BioCNG refuelling stations in 2024 was a major step forward, helping Ireland’s transport sector meet its decarbonisation goals.”
Looking ahead: A renewable ready gas network
Gas Networks Ireland is committed to transforming the gas network into a fully repurposed decarbonised network that transports 100 per cent renewable gases by 2045, as outlined in its Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network document launched last year.
The company made strides in 2024 towards further integrating renewable gases into the national network. Gas Networks.A major milestone was reached in October with the start of construction on a €32 million Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown. This transformative project will enable biomethane to be injected directly into the national gas network, marking a critical step toward decarbonising Ireland’s gas supply.
Further supporting this progress, the recently published Programme for Government includes offering financial incentives for biomethane producers, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing a sustainable renewable gas sector.
Ireland has recognised the transformative potential of hydrogen and is preparing the national gas network to accommodate this clean fuel. The company’s strategy includes several pilot projects and research initiatives aimed at understanding how hydrogen can be integrated into the existing gas infrastructure.
Nyhan concluded: “As we continue to decarbonise the gas network, the progress made in 2024 demonstrates our commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Ireland. By leveraging our modern infrastructure to support renewable gases like biomethane and green hydrogen, we are playing our part in the delivery of Ireland’s climate objectives while ensuring security of energy supply is maintained and economic growth is protected”