20-05-2025
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.
