Dairy production needs sees gas demand in agri-food sector jump 39%

Gas use in Ireland's agri-food sector jumped 39%, driven by the demands of the spring dairy sector, according to Gas Networks Ireland.

Gas use in Ireland's agri-food sector jumped 39%, driven by the demands of the spring dairy sector, according to Gas Networks Ireland.

Overall gas demand increased 1% month-on-month in March but was 4% lower than in March 2025. Total gas demand increased by 5% in Q1 2026 compared with the previous quarter and was 1% higher year-on-year.  

Gas Networks Ireland said the seasonal increase in food and beverage productio now reflects a well-established seasonal pattern, as higher milk volumes during the spring period drive a surge in processing activity across some of Ireland’s largest food production facilities. “The increase in industrial and commercial gas demand in March reflects the seasonal nature of Ireland’s agri-food sector. With farming playing such a vital role in the Irish economy, gas is essential in supporting that activity, providing a reliable and flexible energy source for processors during periods of increased output," said Gas Networks Ireland’s director of strategy and regulation, Edwina Nyhan.

In the first quarter of 2026, gas accounted for 38% of Ireland’s electricity generation, while gas generated 33% of Ireland’s electricity in March. Gas-fired electricity generation peaked at 65% in March and 67% during the first quarter of the year. It did not fall below 14% in March or 12% across Q1.

Wind generation accounted for 40% of electricity in March and 38% across Q1, while solar contributed 3% in March and 2% during the quarter.