Gas Networks Ireland’s latest Gas Demand Statement shows that while overall gas demand fell by 11 per cent in May compared to April - and by 15 per cent year-on-year - gas remained a critical component of Ireland’s energy mix, particularly as a stable source of electricity generation during periods of low weather-dependent renewable output.
The very sunny weather2 in May contributed to lower heating related demand across the residential and commercial sectors. Despite the seasonal reduction in demand, gas generated 40 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in May, down slightly from 42 per cent in April and 50 per cent in May 2024. Gas generation peaked at 70 per cent and never dropped below 11 per cent1, continuing to provide critical support when renewable sources were low.
Wind energy’s contribution to electricity generation fell to 22 per cent, down from 28 per cent in April, but slightly above its 21 per cent share in May last year. During the May Bank Holiday weekend (2nd–5th May), gas supplied 34 per cent of electricity, while wind contributed 23 per cent. Between May 20th and 22nd gas generated 57 per cent of electricity, peaking at 66 per cent and never dropping below 45 per cent1. Over the same period, wind’s contribution was just nine per cent.
Gas demand across sectors
Gas demand in the transport sector continued to grow, with compressed natural gas (CNG) usage up 50 per cent year-on-year. The construction sector also recorded a 13 per cent year-on-year increase. However, many other sectors recorded month-on-month declines, including education3 (-43%), offices4 (-29%), leisure/sport arenas (-27%) and retail (-27%) mainly due to seasonal factors.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan said:
“May’s figures show how Ireland’s energy system depends on a diverse mix of sources. While the growth in solar generation is a very welcome development, it’s also clear that gas continues to be critically essential for Ireland’s energy security, particularly during periods when wind output falls.”
€2.7m research funding
Together with Research Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland recently launched a new €2.7 million research and innovation challenge to help drive the development of pioneering STEM-led solutions for Ireland’s low-carbon energy future.
The ‘Research Ireland – Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge’ invites multidisciplinary research teams to develop breakthrough technologies in renewable gas, energy system integration, and artificial intelligence. The challenge fund will support transformative innovations with the potential to decarbonise the national gas network and help Ireland meet its climate action targets.
Commenting on the launch, Edwina said:
“Research and innovation are central to our pathway to a net zero carbon gas network. The transition will require not just ambition, but also the development of innovative solutions, new thinking and new partnerships.
Through this innovation challenge, we are proud to work with Research Ireland to support Ireland’s world class research talent in developing the solutions that will enable renewable gases and smart technologies to play a central role in decarbonising our energy system. This is an exciting and important step forward in delivering on both climate and innovation goals.”
Full details are available here: Research Ireland Gas Networks Ireland Innovation Challenge - Research Ireland.
1All peak and low measurements recorded over a 15-minute resolution
2 Climate Statement for May 2025 - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service
3 ‘Education’ refers to large educational campuses
4 ‘Offices’ refers to large office campuses