Significant increase in gas demand - Gas Networks Ireland November gas demand report
Gas Networks Ireland has today released its latest gas demand report, highlighting a notable rise in gas consumption across multiple sectors. Overall gas demand rose by 21 percent month-on-month in November compared to October 2024 and by 17 percent year-on-year compared to November 2023.
Sectoral gas demand
November saw significant growth in gas demand from several sectors. Demand for renewable gas in the transport sector increased by an impressive 85 percent year-on-year, while the construction sector recorded a 19 percent increase month-on-month and a 40 percent rise year-on-year. The education1 sector saw a 42 percent month-on-month increase, with demand from leisure/sport arenas rising by 35 percent and the office sector by 29 percent, while gas demand from the retail sector grew by 18 percent month-on-month.
Gas contributions to electricity generation
In November, gas played a pivotal role in Ireland’s electricity supply generating over half (51 per cent) of the country’s electricity. Gas-powered electricity generation reached a peak contribution of 83 per cent and never fell below 10 per cent during the month2. This represents a significant increase from October, when gas contributed 42 percent, and from November 2023 when the figure was 39 per cent.
Wind energy’s contribution to electricity generation dropped to 29 per cent in November, down from 35 percent in October 2024 and 39 percent in November 2023.
Between November 11th and 14th, gas generated 73 per cent of Ireland’s electricity, with wind producing just 4 per cent during the same period. November 12th set a record as the highest gas demand day for the month since 2011, marking the most significant single November day demand in 13 years.
Commenting on the November gas demand report, Edwina Nyhan, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, said:
“November’s gas demand statement highlights the critical role gas continues to play in supporting Ireland’s energy needs in electricity generation, as well as across residential, commercial and industrial sectors. As we transition towards a zero carbon gas network, gas remains a key enabler for ensuring energy security, particularly during periods of low wind generation.
“This month, we saw gas demand reaching record levels, particularly during cold spells when the reliance on gas for both electricity generation and heating was at its highest. This highlights the critical role of a robust and resilient gas network in supporting Ireland’s increasingly complex energy system, particularly as we work towards decarbonising it.”
Ireland’s representative on EU hydrogen initiative Edwina was recently appointed to the board of Pre-ENNOH, a European initiative established to develop the preparatory work required for ENNOH (the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen). This body will help to ensure the delivery of regulatory tasks set out in the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package for 2025 and 2026 in advance of the establishment of ENNOH.
Commenting on her appointment, Edwina said:
“It is vital that Ireland’s voice is heard during the establishment and initial activities of ENNOH, ensuring we actively contribute to the formation of a well connected and competitive European hydrogen market to enable cross border trade. Shaping the hydrogen ramp up and decarbonising Europe’s industries are critical challenges, and I look forward to working with the European Commission, ACER, ENTSO-E, ENTSOG and other stakeholders across Europe to meet these goals.”
This appointment aligns closely with Gas Networks Ireland’s Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network, a strategic roadmap for the future of Ireland’s gas system. By repurposing and resizing existing infrastructure, the company aims to transport 100% renewable gas—including biomethane and green hydrogen—replacing all natural gas, by 2045, contributing significantly to national climate targets.
Gas Networks Ireland is committed to decarbonising Ireland’s energy system while maintaining energy security, creating a dual gas network capable of supporting domestic needs and enabling Ireland to play a key role in the export of renewable energy to Europe.
This appointment reinforces Gas Networks Ireland’s leadership in the energy transition and strengthens its ability to influence critical decisions to develop a pan European market.