No disruption to gas supply forecast for summer months
Gas Networks Ireland does not envisage any disruption to gas supply during the summer months according to the network operator’s 2022 Summer Outlook.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, it is anticipated that restrictions on the importation of Russian gas to the EU will not significantly impact on gas supply to Ireland.
Ireland’s gas supply will be met by indigenous supply from the Corrib gas field and via the interconnection with the UK which is largely sourced from UK indigenous sources and Norway.
Furthermore, as of early last month, the UK’s storage facilities were 79% full, an historical record high for the season.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Future Networks Manager, Maurice Power, said particular consideration was given to the invasion of Ukraine and energy security concerns regarding the supply of Russian gas to Europe.
“Based on the assessment of all supply sources to Ireland and anticipated demand levels, it is not envisaged that there will be a disruption to Ireland’s gas supply during the summer months,” Mr Power said.
“Our interconnector with the UK is set to continue as the dominant supply source for Ireland, with Corrib anticipated to operate at its forecasted capacity during the summer period.
“Gas demand is forecast to be slightly lower over the coming summer period compared to the previous year due to a number of factors including the current high wholesale gas prices.
“We have continuous communication channels in place with key regulatory and upstream stakeholders in relation to maintaining security of supply.”
In line with previous years, it is anticipated that gas demand for heating in homes and businesses will decrease as temperatures rise while demand for gas-fired electricity generation will likely increase as wind levels drop.
“Gas-fired power generation continues to play a key role in complimenting the intermittent nature of wind generation,” Mr Power said.
“Last summer gas accounted for up to 69% of daily electricity generation. In April we already started to see gases share of the electricity mix rise, with a daily peak of 80% and closing the month at 52% of Ireland’s electricity generation. This trend is expected to continue through summer 2022.”
Gas Network Ireland’s summer outlook assesses the adequacy of the gas network to meet forecasted gas demand for the summer ahead and is published annually to inform the energy industry of any developments on the gas network for this period.
“While operating and maintaining the network, we are also focused on helping Ireland meet its climate action targets with least disruption and at lower cost,” Mr Power said.
“By replacing natural gas with indigenously produced renewable gases, such as biomethane made from farm and food waste and hydrogen made from renewable electricity, we can significantly reduce emissions in a number of key sectors while further enhancing Ireland’s energy security and diversity.”