Ireland’s gas demand rose sharply in November as colder weather drove increased heating use, according to the latest figures from Gas Networks Ireland.
The organisation’s Gas Demand Statement shows that overall gas demand increased by 15 per cent month-on-month, reflecting a seasonal shift as households, businesses and public buildings turned on heating during a wet and unsettled month marking the transition into winter.
Despite the monthly rise, overall gas demand was down 8 per cent compared with November last year, largely due to a 13 per cent fall in gas-fired electricity generation on a year-on-year basis.
The largest increase came from the residential sector, where gas demand surged by 57 per cent compared with October. Colder conditions in the second half of the month prompted households to rely more heavily on heating. Significant month-on-month increases were also recorded across several other sectors, including education campuses (+47%), leisure and sports facilities (+34%), retail (+23%), hotels (+14%), and offices (+11%).
Gas also continued to play a major role in electricity generation, accounting for 42 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in November. This was up from 39 per cent in October, but nine percentage points lower than November last year, when gas supplied 51 per cent of electricity.
During the month, gas generation peaked at 79 per cent of electricity supply and never fell below 16 per cent, underlining its importance in maintaining system stability.
Wind energy generated 35 per cent of electricity, broadly in line with October’s 36 per cent and six percentage points higher than November last year. Solar power contributed one per cent to the overall electricity mix.
However, Gas Networks Ireland noted that renewable generation dropped to very low levels at times, reinforcing the continued need for flexible gas-fired generation to ensure a secure and reliable electricity supply.
Commenting on the figures, Edwina Nyhan, Director of Strategy and Regulation at Gas Networks Ireland, said: “November’s data clearly shows the impact that weather patterns have on both energy use and electricity generation.”
She added: “With a very mild first half of the month giving way to cooler conditions later, household gas demand rose and we also saw strong increases across education, retail and other key sectors. Gas continued to provide vital support for the electricity system throughout the month, particularly when renewable energy generation fell to low levels.”
The data highlights the seasonal volatility of energy demand and the ongoing role of gas in supporting Ireland’s energy system as winter conditions set in.
