Natural gas powered 40 per cent of Ireland's electricity generation in 2025, demonstrating its continuing importance as backup capacity when renewable sources prove insufficient, new figures from Gas Networks Ireland reveal as reported by RTE.

The network operator, which manages Ireland's €3 billion gas infrastructure spanning 14,725 kilometres, reported that total gas consumption fell 1.5 per cent year-on-year. However, the fuel's role in electricity production remained critical, with contribution levels reaching 92 per cent during July when wind output declined.

Wind turbines supplied 33 per cent of national electricity demand throughout 2025, matching the previous year's performance. Solar installations increased their share to 3 per cent from 2 per cent in 2024. Gas generation never dropped below 11 per cent at any point during the year.

Transport bucked the downward consumption trend, with gas demand rising 10 per cent as heavy vehicle operators increasingly adopted compressed natural gas and renewable BioCNG technologies. Record demand days occurred on 8 and 9 January when Storm Éowyn combined low temperatures with high generation requirements.

Edwina Nyhan, director of strategy and regulation at Gas Networks Ireland, characterised gas as essential for system security. "While overall demand was slightly lower year-on-year, gas remained a critical source of flexibility and security throughout the year, supporting electricity generation during periods of variable renewable output and meeting seasonal heating demand across homes and businesses," she said.

Monthly consumption patterns reflected weather shifts and generation needs. February saw sharp declines as mild conditions and strong winds reduced requirements, whilst September witnessed residential demand nearly triple as cooler weather prompted earlier heating activation.

Access the full details on monthly consumption data and sectoral breakdowns from Gas Networks Ireland in the complete article.