The demand for gas in Ireland dropped 7% last year due to an increase in energy powered by wind, new figures show.
Gas generated 47% of the total electricity used in Ireland last year, the data from Gas Networks Ireland reveals. Wind generated 39% of our electricity, while coal provided 4%.
June saw the highest reliance on gas during the year, as it provided 58% of electricity during the month.
December was the best month for wind energy, generating 53% of all electricity across the country.
"In 2023, Ireland's national gas network continued to play a central role in meeting the country's energy needs," said Brian Mullins, Gas Networks Ireland's Acting Director of Strategy and Regulation.
"During periods of low or absent wind, it ensured a continuous flow of electricity - essentially keeping Ireland's lights on when the wind didn’t blow," he added.
Today's data shows that demand for compressed natural gas (CNG) in transport increased 20% last year when compared to 2022.
According to Gas Networks Ireland, Fuelling with CNG can reduce a heavy good vehicle's emissions by up to 22%.
In May, Gas Networks Ireland announced that carbon neutral BioCNG is available for heavy goods vehicles at a number of Circle K’s forecourts, while in November, Gas Networks Ireland and Virginia International Logistics opened Ireland’s eighth CNG refuelling station.
"The increasing demand for renewable gas from the transport sector is a positive trend," Mr Mullins said.
"Despite representing just 3% of vehicles on the road, Ireland's commercial transport fleet contributes approximately a fifth of the sector's carbon emissions, making it a challenging area to decarbonise.
"While electricity is a proven alternate fuel for cars, electric solutions are not an option for use in Heavy Goods Vehicles, however CNG and its renewable equivalent, BioCNG, can substantially reduce emissions in the HGV sector," he added.
