Gas Networks Ireland reports increased gas demand in October and confirms no disruption to gas supply is expected this winter
In October 2024, overall gas demand in Ireland rose by 12 percent month-on-month from September, and by eight percent year-on-year when compared to October 2023, according to Gas Networks Ireland’s latest gas demand report.
Gas remained a key contributor to electricity generation, providing 42 percent of Ireland’s power needs in October - slightly down from 44 percent in September but up from 41 percent in October last year. Wind energy’s share rose to 35 percent - up from 29 percent in September - and from 30 percent in October 2023. However, when wind generation was low gas played a key role, with its contribution ranging from a high of 73 percent to a low of 12 percent1, reinforcing its critical function in Ireland’s energy mix as a flexible partner which provides vital backup to enable the roll out of increasing levels of intermittent renewables.
Key demand periods
October included periods where contrasting weather conditions led to substantial shifts in electricity generation sources, demonstrating the important flexibility of gas in Ireland’s energy system alongside the variable contributions of wind energy.
The final days of October saw exceptionally high gas demand, when low wind conditions required gas to take on a primary role in electricity generation. Between October 29th and 31st, gas supplied 65 percent of Ireland’s electricity needs, while wind’s contribution dropped to just 7 percent. During this period, all three days ranked among the top seven highest gas demand days for October since 2011, underscoring the critical role gas plays in maintaining Ireland’s energy security during periods of low renewable output.
In contrast, on October 20th during Storm Ashley, high wind speeds enabled wind energy to supply 62 percent of Ireland’s electricity needs, with gas stepping into a supporting role at 22 percent. During the course of the storm, wind’s contribution ranged from 49 to 69 percent1, while gas ranged from 17 to 28 percent1, reflecting a period when wind energy was able to meet the majority of Ireland’s electricity needs.
Sectoral gas demand
Gas usage across sectors varied in October. Demand for gas in transport saw another significant increase – rising by 84 percent year-on-year. Demand from the education 2 sector increased by 94 percent month-on-month and by 80 percent year-on-year. Demand from the office 3 and retail sectors increased month-on-month by 50 percent and 26 percent respectively. However, demand for gas in the construction sector fell by 12 percent and by 41 percent in manufacturing 4.
Outlook for Winter
Gas Networks Ireland also released its Winter Outlook 5 2024/25, providing an assessment of gas demand and supply projections for the winter months (October 2024 to March 2025). The Outlook indicates that there is both enough gas supply sources and enough network capacity to meet the anticipated gas demand projections over the coming winter period, including in the case of a "1-in-50 winter peak day" - an extremely cold day that would only occur once in 50 years.
While no disruptions to gas supply are anticipated, the report highlights Ireland’s continued reliance on imported gas from Great Britain, with 81 percent of the State’s gas requirements expected to be met from gas coming through the interconnector pipelines.
The Outlook also highlights the growing role of indigenous biomethane production, which is forecast to increase by 97 percent by March 2025 compared to the same period last year (October 2023 to March 2024), complementing Ireland’s gas supply.
Commenting on the increased demand for gas in October and the gas supply and demand outlook for the Winter, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy & Regulation, Edwina Nyhan said:
“As we move into the colder months, gas continues to play a critical role in supporting Ireland’s energy needs, particularly during periods of low wind generation. As we look ahead to the winter period, we have sufficient gas supply and network capacity to meet demand, even under extreme weather conditions. While Ireland remains reliant on imported gas from Great Britain, the growing contribution of indigenous biomethane will support the decarbonisation of the gas network and enhance the security of supply by diversifying our energy sources.”
Significant milestone on the journey to net zero reached
In October, Gas Networks Ireland realised a significant achievement on the pathway to decarbonising the gas network. Construction commenced on the €32 million Mitchelstown Central Grid Injection facility, marking a major step in supporting Ireland’s emerging biomethane industry. Once operational, the facility will reduce national CO₂ emissions by an estimated 130,000 tonnes annually and contribute 12 percent toward the government’s 2030 biomethane target of 5.7 TWh.
Ms Nyhan added: “October marked an important milestone in our journey toward decarbonising the network and represents a key step in scaling up Ireland’s biomethane industry. This demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions, increasing renewable gas on the network and advancing Ireland’s climate action goals.”