Gas demand in Ireland increased 15% month-on-month through March, led by a 36% increase in usage in gas fired power plants to compensate for lower renewable electricity generation.

While February 2022 saw wind contribute 53% of the electricity generated, this contribution fell back to 33% in March. In parallel, the gas share of electricity generation rose from 28% in February to 41% in March. Coal’s share also increased from 10% to 14% in March.

During March, gas-powered electricity peaked at 77% with a low of 8%, while coal peaked at 28% with a low of 4%.

At its peak, wind generated 76% of electricity during March. However, given the variable nature of renewable energy sources, there were also times in the month when the wind supply dropped completely.

Brian Mullins, Gas Networks Ireland’s head of regulatory affairs, said the data highlights the critical role of gas in Ireland’s energy mix.

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“As well as meeting the needs of more than 710,000 customers, including many of the country’s largest industries dependant on gas for their high heat processes, it is typically Ireland’s primary source of electricity generation for nine or ten months of the year.

“A very windy February allowed 53% of electricity to be generated by wind energy, while gas was only needed 28% of the time. However, in less windier months like January and March, gas stepped up and generated 45% and 41% respectively, while wind generated 33% in both months.

In March, gas demand increased across several commercial sectors, including food and beverage (+33%), laundry (+24%) and retail (+11%). Gas demand decreased in the construction (-19%), residential (-13%), air travel (-7%) and leisure (-4%) sectors.

In March, the gas transported through Ireland’s gas network was made up of 26% of natural gas from the Corrib fields, small volumes of indigenous biomethane entering the network in Cush, Co. Kildare; with the balance of Ireland’s gas requirements being imported via the interconnectors with Scotland

Mullins stated that development of indigenous renewable gas industries and storage projects could enhance energy diversity and security.

“We are pleased to see that in recent months the European Commission via its REPowerEU plan in March, and the Irish Government with its National Energy Security Framework in April, have both highlighted the need to diversify gas supplies and speed up the development of a biomethane industry and national hydrogen strategy,” he added.