A new report shows that residential gas demand almost tripled in September as cooler, wetter weather saw households turn on their heating.
Gas Networks Ireland said the change in weather conditions contributed to a significant rise in domestic gas use and one of the largest monthly increases in residential demand this year of 168%.
The report said that while household consumption rose sharply, overall gas demand fell by 4% compared to August and was 9% lower than in September 2024, mainly due to a decline in gas use for electricity generation.
Gas demand in the electricity generation sector fell by 14% month-on–month and by 12% year-on-year.
Gas Network Ireland said that gas generated 37% of the country's electricity in September, peaking at 75% and never falling below 13%.
While this was down 45% on August and 44% on September last year, gas continued to play a vital role in supporting the electricity system during periods of low renewable generation.
Wind accounted for 34% of electricity generation, up from 27% in August and 30% in September last year, but the energy output from wind fluctuated widely - peaking at 76% and falling to 1% at times. Meanwhile, solar energy contributed 4%, peaking at 21% at times.
Edwina Nyhan, Gas Networks Ireland's Director of Strategy and Regulation, said that September's figures clearly show how weather patterns drive energy use across Ireland.
"While overall gas demand was down, cooler and wetter conditions led to a sharp rise in residential consumption. Gas also continued to underpin Ireland's electricity system, providing stability at any time when renewable output dipped," she said.
Gas Networks Ireland recently announced a deal with Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises to connect a new €50m biomethane plant in Kildare directly to the national gas network.
Once operational, the facility will convert by-products from Ireland's distilling industry into renewable biomethane, which is enough to heat around 8,000 homes every year and cut Ireland's emissions by about 20,000 tonnes a year.
"Evergreen is a fantastic example of Irish industry turning waste into clean, home-grown energy and demonstrates how existing gas infrastructure can deliver renewable energy solutions," Edwina Nyham said.
"Evergreen is the sixth biomethane project to enter a gas network connection agreement in just two years, and together these plants will account for around 10% of Ireland's national biomethane target. Momentum is really building, and we’re starting to see real 'green shoots' in the biomethane market," she added.
