Gas-powered electricity generation supplied 51% of the country's electricity in November, new figures from Gas Networks Ireland shows.
Gas Networks Ireland noted that gas-powered electricity generation reached a peak contribution of 83% and never fell below 10% during the month - a significant increase from October, when gas contributed 42%, and from November last year when the figure was 39%.
Today's figures show that between November 11-14, gas generated 73% of Ireland's electricity, with wind producing just 4% during the same time.
November 12 set a record as the highest gas demand day for the month since 2011, marking the most significant single November day demand in 13 years.
Gas Networks Ireland said that overall gas demand rose by 21% on a monthly basis in November compared to October and by 17% compared to the same time last year.
It said that November saw significant growth in gas demand from several sectors.
Demand for renewable gas in the transport sector increased by 85% year-on-year, while the construction sector recorded a 19% increase month-on-month and a 40% rise year-on-year.
The education sector saw a 42% monthly increase, with demand from leisure/sport arenas rising by 35% and the office sector by 29%. Gas demand from the retail sector grew by 18% month-on-month.
"November's gas demand statement highlights the critical role gas continues to play in supporting Ireland's energy needs in electricity generation, as well as across residential, commercial and industrial sectors," Edwina Nyhan, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, said.
"As we transition towards a zero carbon gas network, gas remains a key enabler for ensuring energy security, particularly during periods of low wind generation," Ms Nyhan said.
She said that gas demand reached record levels in November, particularly during cold spells when the reliance on gas for both electricity generation and heating was at its highest.
"This highlights the critical role of a robust and resilient gas network in supporting Ireland's increasingly complex energy system, particularly as we work towards decarbonising it," she added.
Ms Nyhan is Ireland's representative on EU hydrogen initiative and she was recently appointed to the board of Pre-ENNOH, a European initiative established to develop the preparatory work required for ENNOH (the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen).
This body will help to ensure the delivery of regulatory tasks set out in the Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Package for 2025 and 2026 in advance of the establishment of ENNOH.
