Gas use increases in March as weather shifts and wind energy output falls

Gas Networks Ireland has published its gas demand statement for March and Q1 2025, showing the ongoing importance of gas in supporting Ireland’s energy system during variable weather conditions and fluctuating renewable electricity generation.

March 2025 was described by Met Éireann¹ as mild, dry and sunny contrasting with the cold, stormy weather experienced in January and the milder but windier conditions in February. These alternating weather patterns directly impacted energy use and sources of electricity generation, with gas stepping in to support when wind output fell.

Overall gas demand in March rose by 13 per cent compared to February, and by four per cent compared to March 2024. Gas demand in the transport sector increased by 90 per cent year on year, reflecting a growing shift toward compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable BioCNG in heavy transport fleets.

Electricity generation: reliable gas supply complements renewables

In March gas produced 39 percent of Ireland’s electricity, up from 31 per cent on February and 34 percent year-on-year. Gas’s contribution ranged from 14 per cent to 67 per cent throughout the month², depending on demand and renewable energy availability.

Wind generation accounted for 33 per cent of electricity in March, down from 48 per cent in February and 45 per cent in March 2024. Wind output ranged widely, from a high of 75 per cent to periods of zero generation ².

From March 13th to 17th, gas consistently provided the majority of electricity generation—totalling 52 per cent compared to wind’s 16 per cent. During this period, gas peaked at 67 per cent and never dropped below 36 per cent, while wind fluctuated between 2 per cent and 42 per cent².

Q1 2025: Securing Ireland’s energy supply through the changing elements

Overall gas demand in quarter one 2025 was broadly in line with quarter four 2024, and up by two per cent compared to the same period last year.

The start of the year saw periods of very high demand due to low temperatures and storm activity. January 8th 2025 recorded the highest ever gas demand day in the Republic of Ireland, with January 9th ranking as the third highest. These peaks were driven by a combination of cold weather and increased gas use for electricity generation during periods of low wind.

Gas contributed 38 percent of electricity generation in the first quarter —on par with wind energy. This was a decrease from 43 percent in quarter four 2024 and up slightly on 37 percent in Q1 2024.

Commenting on the latest data, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation Edwina Nyhan said:

“The first quarter of 2025 highlighted how Ireland’s energy system must operate in an agile and responsive way. While wind remains Ireland’s largest renewable electricity source, its variability—particularly during periods of low wind output—means that a reliable and flexible source like gas is essential to maintaining system stability.

The gas network continues to provide that stability and support, ensuring electricity supply remains secure no matter the weather. With a clear pathway to incorporating renewable gases like biomethane and hydrogen, our network will continue to play a critical role in delivering a cleaner and more secure energy future.”

¹ Climate Statement for March 2025 - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service
²  All peak and low measurements recorded over a 15-minute resolution.