Latest news with #EdwinaNyhan
RTÉ News
07-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Increased demand for gas in transport sector in H1
Gas demand in the first half of this year remained broadly consistent with the second half of 2024, new figures from Gas Networks Ireland show. Gas accounted for 39% of Ireland's electricity generation in the first six months of the year, compared to 33% from wind. The contribution from gas to power generation peaked at 90% and never dropped below 11% in the first half of the year, which Gas Networks Ireland said underscored its "critical" role in maintaining stability and reliability in the electricity system amid fluctuating renewable energy output. Overall gas demand fell by 9% in June compared to May and by 7% compared to June 2024, during what Met Éireann described as the fourth warmest June on record, albeit wetter and duller than average across much of the country. Gas generated 36% of the country's electricity in June, down from 40% in May and 42% in June last year. Its contribution peaked at 90% and never dropped below 14% in June, while wind accounted for 30% of electricity and ranged from less than 1% to a peak of 75%. Gas Networks Ireland said the energy system's reliance on gas during low renewable output was evident between June 9-14, when gas supplied 42% of electricity and wind supplied 23%. A similar pattern occurred from June 29-30, when gas generated 58% and never dipped below 31%, it added. Meanwhile, demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) grew by 26% on last year. Made by compressing natural gas down to less than 1% of its volume, CNG is a more environmentally friendly fuel than petrol or diesel and provides the Irish haulage industry with a cleaner alternative fuel option. Fuelling with CNG can reduce a heavy good vehicle's emissions by up to 22%, and with CNG suppliers now sourcing gas via renewable sources, BioCNG can turn a HGV into a carbon neutral vehicle, providing the Irish haulage industry with a clean alternative fuel option. But demand for gas across most sectors saw annual declines in June, with reductions in the residential (-21%), leisure/sports arenas (-17%) and retail (-14%) sectors, due to the warm weather which reduced heating needs. Gas Networks Ireland's Director of Strategy and Regulation Edwina Nyhan said that June's data again illustrates how gas consistently supports electricity generation during periods of low wind, helping to keep the system secure and balanced. "The steady growth in demand for CNG, including a 26 per cent increase in June year on year, reflects continued momentum in decarbonising the transport sector. This progress is further supported by recent developments such as the opening of a new public CNG station in Dublin and the launch of the GRAZE vehicle grant scheme, which is already generating strong interest from fleet operators," Ms Nyhan said. "At the same time, we are making important strides in supporting the build out of the biomethane industry, including the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with CycleØ to help connect new biomethane production sites to the gas network," she added.
Irish Examiner
28-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Warm weather in June saw gas demand drop 9%
Warm weather in June saw gas demand in Ireland fall 9% last month compared to May, and 7% lower than in June 2024, figures from Gas Networks Ireland show. June 2025 was the fourth warmest June on record, despite wet conditions. Gas generated 36% of Ireland's electricity in June, down from 40% in May and 42% in June 2024. Gas use peaked at 90% of all energy required in June and never dropped below 14%. Wind energy accounted for 30% of electricity use for the period - up eight percentage points from 22% in May — and ranged from less than 1% to a peak of 75%. Gas demand across most sectors saw year-on-year declines in June, with 21% reductions in residential use, largely driven by the warm weather which reduced heating needs. However, compressed natural gas (CNG) demand grew by 26% year-on-year. Made by compressing natural gas down to less than 1% of its volume, CNG is a more environmentally friendly fuel than petrol or diesel and is used extensively in the Irish haulage industry with a cleaner alternative fuel option. 'While overall gas demand typically dips over the summer months, it remains central to the resilience of Ireland's energy system. June's data again illustrates how gas consistently supports electricity generation during periods of low wind, helping to keep the system secure and balanced," said Gas Networks Ireland's director of strategy and regulation Edwina Nyhan. "The steady growth in demand for CNG, including a 26%increase in June year on year, reflects continued momentum in decarbonising the transport sector. This progress is further supported by recent developments such as the opening of a new public CNG station in Dublin and the launch of the GRAZE vehicle grant scheme, which is already generating strong interest from fleet operators. "At the same time, we are making important strides in supporting the build out of the biomethane industry, including the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with CycleØ to help connect new biomethane production sites to the gas network.' Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland's €3bn, 14,725km national gas network. Almost 725,000 Irish homes and businesses use natural gas.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Demand for gas fell across several sectors last month due to spell of warmer weather
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) predicts a 4pc decrease in gas demand this summer compared with last year. It also forecasted that with temperatures expected to rise further over the next few months, there will probably be an increase in renewable electricity generation, displacing some gas-based power generation. Despite overall demand falling by 12pc, gas produced close to half of Ireland's electricity last month, according to GNI. A recent gas demand statement from GNI shows that, while demand fell, gas continued to play a central role in electricity generation. Gas accounted for 42pc of Ireland's power, up from 39pc in the previous month. Wind energy generated 28pc of electricity in the same period. GNI director of strategy and regulation Edwina Nyhan said gas offered stability to the national grid. 'While warmer weather naturally led to a seasonal drop in overall gas demand in April, gas continued to provide the consistent back-up needed to keep Ireland's electricity system running reliably,' she said. 'With wind generation fluctuating widely throughout the month, gas stepped in as needed to maintain stability and security of supply. 'Our summer outlook forecasts similar trends, with gas continuing to play a leading role in electricity generation and in decarbonising the transport sector. Gas remains central to our energy system – today and into the future.' GNI published its summer outlook – forecasting a decrease in total gas demand compared with last summer. It said it indicated an increase in renewable generation for the summer ahead, displacing some gas-fired power generation. The outlook also said Ireland will remain heavily dependent on the UK for gas imports. It also predicts gas demand in transport will grow by 11pc in line with decarbonisation efforts around commercial transport. Last month the demand for gas in transport increased by 76pc year-on-year. GNI said that reflected a growing shift towards lower emission fuel sources such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable BioCNG. The organisation also noted that between April 7 and April 10, gas produced 66pc of Ireland's electricity, peaking at 74pc.
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Gas produced 42% of the country's power in April
New figures show that overall gas demand fell by 12% in April compared to March, but gas continued to play a central role in electricity generation and produced 42% of the country's power. Gas Networks Ireland's latest gas demand statement shows that despite the overall drop in demand, the contribution from gas to electricity generation increased from 39% in March to 42% in April. Wind energy generated 28% of electricity during the month. Gas Networks Ireland noted that April was warm and sunny with record breaking daily temperatures, which contributed to a fall in gas demand across several sectors. Month-on-month gas demand declined significantly in education (down 25%), retail (down 24%), offices (down 24%) and leisure/sport (down 23%). Today's figures show that between April 7 and 10, gas produced 66% of the country's electricity - peaking at 74% and never falling below 50%. Wind contributed just 7%. Meanwhile, the demand for gas in transport increased by 76% in April compared to last year, reflecting a growing shift toward lower emission fuel sources including compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable BioCNG. Gas Networks Ireland also published its Summer Outlook 2025 today, which has forecast a 4% decrease in total gas demand compared to summer 2024. It said this is mainly due to an expected 7% reduction in demand from electricity generation, as forecasts indicate an increase in renewable generation for the summer ahead, displacing some gas-fired power generation. Demand for gas in transport is projected to grow by 11%, with biomethane expected to meet a significant share of this demand. The outlook also shows that Ireland remains heavily dependent on gas imports from the UK, with 76% of supply expected to enter the network via the Moffat entry point in Scotland. The Corrib gas field is forecast to meet just over 23% of demand. Gas Networks Ireland's Director of Strategy and Regulation Edwina Nyhan said that while warmer weather naturally led to a seasonal drop in overall gas demand in April, gas continued to provide the consistent backup needed to keep Ireland's electricity system running reliably. "With wind generation fluctuating widely throughout the month, gas stepped in as needed to maintain stability and security of supply," she stated. She said the summer outlook forecasts similar trends, with gas continuing to play a leading role in electricity generation and in decarbonising the transport sector. "Gas remains central to our energy system - today and into the future. Gas Networks Ireland continues to support the transition to a low carbon energy system by enabling the development of renewable gas, maintaining security of supply and delivering a net zero carbon gas network," Ms Nyhan added.
