Essential services and business activity drive May gas demand as gas continues to support Ireland’s economy and electricity system
Gas Networks Ireland’s latest Gas Demand Statement shows that overall gas demand increased by six per cent in May 2026 compared with the same month last year, reflecting continued activity across Ireland’s commercial and service sectors while gas continued to play a vital role in supporting the country’s electricity system.
Sectoral gas demand
Gas demand increased across a number of commercial and service sectors during May. Retail demand rose by 18 per cent year-on-year, demand from office complexes increased by 14 per cent and hotels by six per cent, reflecting stronger economic activity and preparations for the busy summer season.
Demand also increased year-on-year across essential services, including the healthcare sector, highlighting the important role reliable gas continues to play in supporting organisations that depend on a secure and continuous energy supply for day-to-day operations.
Together, these trends demonstrate how gas continues to underpin Ireland’s economy and many of the services people rely on every day.
Electricity generation
Gas continued to play a critical role in maintaining a secure and reliable electricity system during May, generating 40 per cent of Ireland’s electricity, up from 35 per cent in April and matching the level recorded in May 2025. Gas-fired generation peaked at 93 per cent¹ during the month, one of the highest levels recorded this year, while never falling below 17 per cent ¹.
Wind generated 28 per cent of Ireland’s electricity during May, while solar reached a record eight per cent share, reflecting favourable weather conditions. However, renewable generation continued to fluctuate throughout the month, highlighting the importance of flexible gas-fired generation in maintaining security of supply.
Commenting on the latest figures, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said:
“These figures demonstrate the vital role gas continues to play in supporting Ireland’s economy, essential services and the electricity system. We are seeing increased demand from a broad range of commercial, industrial and public service sectors, reflecting the strength of economic activity across the country.
“At the same time, gas-fired generation continued to provide the flexibility needed to support Ireland’s electricity system when renewable output varied. As renewable generation continues to increase, flexible gas generation will remain an essential part of maintaining a secure, reliable and resilient energy system.”
Summer Outlook 2026
Gas Networks Ireland also recently published its Summer Outlook 20262, forecasting gas demand between April and September to be approximately three per cent lower than last summer. This projected decrease is primarily driven by an expected reduction in gas demand from the power generation sector, based on forecasts of increased renewable electricity generation over the summer months.
Gas-fired generation is forecast to continue providing around 34 per cent of Ireland’s electricity during summer 2026, ensuring a secure and reliable supply when renewable generation varies and continuing to provide essential support to Ireland’s electricity market.
1 All peak and low measurements recorded over a 15-minute resolution
2 Gas Networks Ireland’s Summer Outlook sets out the demand and supply outlook for summer 2026 (April to September 2026) for both the Republic of Ireland (ROI) gas demand and the Gas Networks Ireland system demand. Gas Networks Ireland’s Summer 2026 Outlook is available here: 2026 Summer Outlook