Gas generates 42 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in Q3, on the back of strong sectoral demand in September
- Overall gas demand up by 15 per cent month-on-month in September
- Significant increase in demand for gas in transport in September, 93 per cent year-on-year
- Gas generated 44 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in September
Overall gas demand in Quarter 3 (July to September) remained stable, with a slight 2 per cent increase compared to Q3 2023, though demand fell by 8 per cent compared to Q2 due to lower seasonal needs. Gas generated 42 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in Q3, while wind energy provided 29 per cent. This steady demand reflects the importance of gas in ensuring energy security and supporting renewable energy fluctuations throughout the year.
September gas demand
September 2024 saw a notable rise in gas demand across Ireland, reflecting cooler weather conditions1, the start of the heating season and increased demand across various sectors. Gas Networks Ireland reports a 15 per cent increase in gas demand month-on-month compared to August 2024, and a 10 per cent increase year-on-year compared to September 2023, in its latest gas demand report.
Gas demand across sectors
As temperatures cooled, gas demand surged across several key sectors in September. The education sector2 saw a 107 per cent increase month-on-month and a 94 per cent rise year-on-year. Similarly, demand in hospitals increased by 32 per cent from August, and by 17 per cent compared to September 2023. The office complex3 sector also saw a 51 per cent year-on-year increases.
Gas demand in the transport sector saw an impressive 93 per cent increase year-on-year, which was driven in part by higher volumes dispensed at the Flogas station at St Margaret’s in north Dublin which supplies DHL Supply Chain’s 50 new biomethane trucks for Tesco Ireland, replacing diesel trucks and cutting emissions by up to 90%.
Commenting on this increased demand and the latest BioCNG (Bio Compressed Natural Gas) refuelling station which opened in September, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy & Regulation, Edwina Nyhan said:
"The opening of the new BioCNG refuelling station on the M7 is a major milestone in Ireland’s journey to decarbonising the transport sector. By providing hauliers and fleet operators with access to renewable, compressed natural gas, we’re significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. This aligns with Ireland’s commitment to reducing transport emissions and delivering cleaner energy solutions.
We are proud to be one of Ireland’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals champions, particularly in advancing affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and supporting climate action (SDG 13). With the transport sector contributing nearly 20 per cent of Ireland’s emissions, we’re excited to see the increasing uptake of cleaner alternatives like BioCNG. This refuelling station is about enabling a cleaner, greener future for Ireland and contributing to the global sustainability agenda.”
Electricity generation in September
In September, gas continued to play a critical role in Ireland’s electricity generation, providing 44 per cent of the country’s power, the same as September 2023 but a notable increase from 37 per cent in August. At times, gas provided up to 80 per cent of electricity generation, and never dropped below 15 per cent at any point in the month4.
Meanwhile, wind energy's total contribution to electricity generation was 29 per cent in the month of September, dropping to less than one per cent at times4.
Between 15th and 24th September, gas produced over 53 per cent of the country’s electricity, while wind energy’s contribution fell to just 13 per cent during this period of lower wind speeds.