Gas demand declines amid windy weather but Ireland remains reliant on fossil fuels

Gas Network’s Ireland found in its Gas Demand Statement for August declined 10% month-on-month and 7% year-on-year.

Windy weather drove down the demand for gas last month but it still remained the largest single source of Ireland’s electricity generation.

The dependence on fossil fuels may be heightened due to a chronic lack of storage facilities in the Republic for electricity generated through renewable sources, leading to increased dependence on gas during less windy periods.

“While August was a strong month for wind energy, with unseasonably strong winds recorded, there were still periods where wind generation fell away significantly,” said Gas Networks Ireland’s head of strategy and regulation Edwina Nyhan.

Gas Network’s Ireland found in its Gas Demand Statement for August declined 10% month-on-month and 7% year-on-year.

Gas remained Ireland’s largest energy source throughout August, contributing 37% to electricity generation, down from 45% in July and 44% in August 2023.

Meanwhile, electricity generated by wind energy increased significantly to 34%, up from 22% in July and matching its August 2023 performance.

School’s and colleges reopening doors after the summer break fuelled demand for gas as the education sector recorded a 53% increase year-on-year. The office complex sector also recorded a demand increase of 21% over the same period.