Gas demand last month increased 21% compared to October and 17% from November 2023, driven by the transport, construction, education, leisure, office and retail sectors, according to Gas Networks Ireland.
Demand for renewable gas in the transport sector rocketed up by 85% year-on-year, while construction recorded increases of 19% month-on-month and 40% from last November.
The education sector saw a 42% monthly increase, and demand in the leisure/sport (+35%), office (+29%) and retail (+18%) sectors all rose significantly from October as well.
Gas generated more than half (51%) of the country's electricity on average last month, and accounted for a peak of 83% and a low of 10% during the month.
Gas' share of electricity generation was up substantially from October (42%) and November 2023 (39%).
Wind energy’s contribution to electricity generation dropped to 29% in November, down from 35% in October 2024 and 39% in November 2023.
From 11-14 November, gas generated 73% of Ireland's electricity, with wind producing just 4%, and 12 November set the record for the highest gas demand day in November since 2011.
“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," said Edwina Nyhan, director of strategy and regulation at Gas Networks Ireland.
"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.
“This month, we saw gas demand reaching record levels, 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.”
Nyhan, Ireland’s representative on EU hydrogen initiative, 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.
“It is vital that Ireland’s voice is heard during the establishment and initial activities of ENNOH, ensuring we actively contribute to the formation of a well connected and competitive European hydrogen market to enable cross border trade," said Nyhan.
"Shaping the hydrogen ramp up and decarbonising Europe’s industries are critical challenges, and I look forward to working with the European Commission, ACER, ENTSO-E, ENTSOG and other stakeholders across Europe to meet these goals.”
Photo: Gas Networks Ireland employee. (Pic: Supplied)
