44 per cent of Ireland’s electricity provided by gas in January: Gas Networks Ireland Gas Demand Report

The January gas report shows that gas provided 44 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in January 2024.

The latest figures, published by Gas Networks Ireland, also show that gas generated up to 80 per cent of electricity during the cold snap¹, and that overall gas demand jumped by 29 per cent, from December to January.

Commenting on the January gas report, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan said:

“From the start of the month, during the long cold spell, which saw yellow weather alerts for low temperature and ice being issued, there was little wind across the country - which meant that gas stepped up and provided almost all of Ireland’s electricity. In turn, the gusty conditions during storms Isha and Joceyln, saw wind energy generating 71 and 70 per cent of electricity respectively.

However, while wind energy’s contribution to electricity generation fell away to less than one per cent at times during January, gas was always generating at least 10 percent - even when wind energy was at its highest. This highlights the important energy source mix, which includes a strong contribution from renewable energy, supported by the flexible supply of the gas network.

Sectoral demand

Demand for gas increased month-on-month across almost all sectors in January, including the education² (+53 per cent) and manufacturing (+ 50 per cent). The demand for gas in transport is also continuing to rise, with a 33 per cent year-on-year increase.

Ms Nyhan added: “This increased demand for gas in transport builds on the 20 per cent jump witnessed from 2022 to 2023. With more certified biomethane available for the transport sector, this low carbon alternative fuel is turning heavy good vehicle journeys into carbon free miles.”

National Biomethane Strategy

Last month, the Government published a “Consultation on the Draft National Biomethane Strategy” ⁴. The ambition is to scale up indigenously produced biomethane to 5.7 TWh per annum by 2030. That's 10% of Ireland’s current overall gas demand.  

Gas Networks Ireland believes the development of a biomethane industry will not only enhance Ireland’s security of energy supply but will also support farming communities to diversify their income streams and reduce their carbon footprint.

Ms. Nyhan continued: “The establishment of this industry will also play a key role in the decarbonisation of certain sectors where it can be more difficult to switch fuels, such as transport, industrial heating, and power generation.

We are preparing our response to the consultation, and we would encourage all industry stakeholders to have their say.”