Gas demand drops 10% in August due to windy weather
- Gas demand down 10% month-on-month and 7% year-on-year
- Gas demand increases in education and office sectors
While overall gas demand decreased in August, it continued to play a crucial role in Ireland’s electricity generation during the month, according to Gas Networks Ireland’s August Gas Demand Statement.
August saw a notable reduction in total gas demand, decreasing by 10 per cent month-on-month compared to July, and 7 per cent year-on-year compared to August 2023. Despite these reductions, gas remained the largest single source of Ireland’s electricity generation, it was also critical in periods of low wind reinforcing the importance of the gas network in maintaining security of supply for the electricity system.
Sectoral demand
As schools and colleges re-opened their doors towards the end of August, the education sector1 recorded a 53 per cent gas demand increase year-on-year. The office complex sector2 also recorded a demand increase of 21 per cent over the same period.
Impact of weather on the energy mix
According to Met Éireann3, August experienced particularly strong winds, especially in the latter half of the month, driven by Storm Lilian - which swept across Ireland late on Thursday, August 22nd, and early on Friday, August 23rd. The storm brought widespread heavy rain and high winds, positively impacting the country’s renewable energy generation.
Electricity generated by wind energy increased significantly to 34 per cent, up from 22 per cent in July and matching its August 2023 performance. At its peak, wind energy supplied 74 per cent of the country’s electricity but fell to less than 1 per cent during calm periods4.
Gas as the reliable energy source
Gas remained Ireland’s largest and most reliable energy source throughout August, contributing 37 per cent to electricity generation, down from 45 per cent in July and 44 per cent in August 2023. At its highest point, gas provided 73 per cent of Ireland's electricity needs, and at times of increased wind energy generation, gas supplied just 13 per cent4.
In the final days of August, gas played a pivotal role. Between August 28th and 31st, gas generated 53 per cent of the country's electricity, while wind dropped to just 21 per cent. During this time, gas surged to a peak of 73 per cent, never falling below 23 per cent.
Commenting on the August Gas Demand Statement, Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said:
“While August was a strong month for wind energy, with unseasonably strong winds recorded, there were still periods where wind generation fell away significantly. Gas remained the ever-reliable back-up for Ireland’s electricity grid, ensuring the lights stayed on. Between August 28th and 31st, gas supplied over half of the electricity needs, peaking at 73 per cent demonstrating how vital a flexible resilient gas network is to Ireland’s energy system.”
Gas Networks Ireland Launches New Graduate Programme for 2025
In addition to releasing its August gas demand figures, Gas Networks Ireland has also announced the launch of its 2025 Graduate Programme. This new initiative aims to attract the brightest young talents across engineering, IT, environmental science, and business disciplines, offering graduates the chance to contribute to Ireland’s sustainable energy future. The programme includes structured learning and development, hands-on experience, and mentorship opportunities across a range of key projects that support the decarbonisation of Ireland’s energy sector.
For more information on Gas Networks Ireland’s graduate programme, visit www.gasnetworks.ie/graduate