Gas demand dips in April but remains dominant electricity source with similar trends forecast for summer season
Gas Networks Ireland’s latest gas demand statement shows that while overall gas demand fell by 12 per cent in April 2025 compared to March, gas continued to play a central role in electricity generation - producing 42 per cent of Ireland’s power.
April was warm and sunny with record breaking daily temperatures1, contributing to a fall in gas demand across several sectors. Month-on-month gas demand declined significantly in education2 (-25 per cent), retail (-24 per cent), offices3 (-24 per cent) and leisure/sport (-23 per cent).
Despite the overall drop in demand, gas’s contribution to electricity generation increased from 39 per cent in March to 42 per cent in April, underscoring its ongoing importance in keeping the electricity system stable during periods of low renewable output. Wind energy generated 28 per cent of electricity during the month.
Between April 7th and 10th, gas produced 66 per cent of Ireland’s electricity—peaking at 74 per cent and never falling below 50 -per cent4 while wind contributed just 7 per cent. On Easter Sunday and Monday (April 20 -21), gas produced 56 per cent of electricity, while wind’s contribution was 18 per cent.
The demand for gas in transport increased by 76 per cent year-on-year in April, reflecting a growing shift toward lower emission fuel sources including compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable BioCNG.
Summer outlook
Gas Networks Ireland also published its Summer Outlook 20255, forecasting a four per cent decrease in total gas demand compared to summer 2024. This is primarily driven by an expected seven per cent reduction in demand from electricity generation, as forecasts indicate an increase in renewable generation for the summer ahead -displacing some gas fired power generation. Demand for gas in transport is projected to grow by 11 per cent, with biomethane expected to meet a significant share of this demand — highlighting progress in the decarbonisation of commercial transport.
The outlook also shows that Ireland remains heavily dependent on gas imports from the UK, with 76 per cent of supply expected to enter the network via the Moffat entry point in Scotland. The Corrib gas field is forecast to meet just over 23 per cent of demand.
Commenting on the data, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation Edwina Nyhan, said:
“While warmer weather naturally led to a seasonal drop in overall gas demand in April, gas continued to provide the consistent backup needed to keep Ireland’s electricity system running reliably. With wind generation fluctuating widely throughout the month, gas stepped in as needed to maintain stability and security of supply.
“Our Summer Outlook forecasts similar trends, with gas continuing to play a leading role in electricity generation and in decarbonising the transport sector Gas remains central to our energy system—today and into the future.”
Gas Networks Ireland continues to support the transition to a low carbon energy system by enabling the development of renewable gas, maintaining security of supply and delivering a net zero carbon gas network.