Demand for gas increased by almost 6% in July when compared to the previous month, new data shows.
The report from Gas Networks Ireland shows that demand was up 3% on the same month last year.
Gas was the largest contributor to electricity generation, generating 45%.
This was up from 42% in June, and down slightly from 46% the same time last year.
The figures show that wind generated 22% of Ireland’s electricity in July, down 4% on the previous month and a drop of 11% on July 2023.
“A cool and relatively dry month, July saw a notable increase in gas demand, as wind energy’s contribution to the grid tapered off heading into the height of Summer,” said Edwina Nyhan, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation.
“At times during the month, gas powered up to 64% of the country’s electricity, and never dropped below 16%.
“While gas supply will remain consistent as a backup, we anticipate that wind’s contributions to the grid will pick back up as we head into the autumn and winter months,” he added.
In particular, July saw a notable increase in demand for gas in transport, with demand for Bio-CNG up 20% month-on-month and 65% year-on-year.
Demand for gas was also driven by the manufacturing, education, office, and air travel sectors.
Article Source – Gas generates 45% of electricity in July, demand rises – RTE