Gas Networks Ireland’s latest gas demand statement shows that overall gas demand fell by 22 per cent month-on-month in February, following higher demand during colder conditions in January. Despite the month-on-month decline, demand increased 8 per cent year-on-year versus February 2025.
January saw higher gas demand, with overall demand rising 16 per cent month-on-month as colder weather drove up energy needs.
The drop in February gas demand was mainly driven by lower use in electricity generation, while there was also a decrease in demand from the residential sector. Gas demand for power generation decreased by 25 per cent month-on-month, while residential demand fell by 22 per cent month-on-month.
However, compared with February last year, gas demand for power generation increased by 17 per cent, reflecting the continued role of gas in supporting Ireland’s electricity system.
Gas generated 36 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in February, five percentage points higher than February 2025 (31 per cent), but seven percentage points lower than January 2026 (43 per cent). Gas’s contribution to electricity generation peaked at 67 per cent1 during the month and never fell below 12 per cent1, demonstrating its importance in maintaining a secure electricity supply when renewable energy output varies.
Wind generation accounted for 41 per cent of electricity in February, eight percentage points higher than January (33 per cent) but seven percentage points lower than February last year (48 per cent). Wind output peaked at 77 per cent1 and dropped to 1 per cent1 at its lowest.
Solar generation contributed 1 per cent of electricity in February.
Commenting on the latest figures, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said:
“These figures show how gas demand can change month to month depending on weather dependent renewable electricity generation. While February saw lower overall demand compared with January, gas continued to play a key role in supporting Ireland’s electricity system, particularly during periods when renewable output was lower. The flexibility of gas-fired generation remains critical in maintaining a secure and reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across Ireland.”
Last week, Gas Networks Ireland unveiled plans to decarbonise its two compressor stations at Beattock and Brighouse Bay in Scotland through the installation of new Electric Motor Drives (EMDs) at each site. This €200m investment will see the organisation’s overall operational Green House Gas (GHG) emissions reduced by 42 per cent compared with current levels.
1 All peak and low measurements recorded over a 15-minute resolution
