New figures from Gas Networks Ireland show that gas continued to play a critical role in the country's electricity generation as it provided 44% of the country's power in September - a "notable" increase from 37% in August.
Gas Networks Ireland said that at times, gas provided up to 80% of electricity generation in September and never dropped below 15% at any point in the month.
Today's figures show that overall gas demand in the three months from July to September remained stable, rising by 2% compared to the same time last year, although demand fell by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2024 due to lower seasonal needs.
Gas generated 42% of Ireland's electricity in the third quarter, while wind energy provided 29%.
Gas Energy Ireland said this steady demand reflected the importance of gas in ensuring energy security and supporting renewable energy fluctuations throughout the year.
September saw an increase in gas demand across Ireland, reflecting cooler weather conditions, the start of the heating season and increased demand across various sectors.
Gas Networks Ireland reported a 15% increase in gas demand month-on-month compared to August, and a 10% increase year-on-year compared to September last year.
As temperatures cooled, gas demand surged across several key sectors in September. The education sector saw a 107% increase on a monthly basis and a 94% annual rise year-on-year.
Demand in hospitals increased by 32% from August, and by 17% compared to September 2023, while the office complex sector also saw a 51% year-on-year increase.
Gas demand in the transport sector saw an "impressive" 93% increase year-on-year, which was driven partly by higher volumes sold at the Flogas station at St Margaret's in north Dublin which supplies DHL's 50 new biomethane trucks for Tesco Ireland, replacing diesel trucks and cutting emissions by up to 90%.
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 the 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," she said.
