Gas Networks Ireland says that there has been a 15% increase in gas demand for the month of March. The increase is the result of a rise in demand following a very stormy February, which saw a new record for wind energy. The company adds that this was led by a 36% hike in the use of gas-fired power plants used to compensate for lower renewable electricity generation.
In March, the roles of gas and wind changed in terms of their contribution to Ireland’s energy mix, therefore, the share of wind energy fell from 53% to 33% within one month; while gas contribution rose from 28% to 41%. Gas Networks Ireland head of regulatory affairs Brian Mullins says the figures for March highlight the importance of the gas network in Ireland’s cleaner energy future.
Explaining the current situation, Mullins says being able to harness wind energy when it is available and back it up with the flexibility and reliability of gas when it’s not, provides a secure and complete energy system for the people of Ireland. He added that gas is typically Ireland’s primary source of electricity generation for nine or ten months of the year.
Gas Networks Ireland says, wind generated 76% of electricity at its peak, however, there were also times in the month when supply dropped completely. The share of coal also increased from 10% to 14% last month, with demand peaking at 28% and a low of 4%.
Meanwhile the gas transported through Ireland’s gas network last month was made up of 26% natural gas from the Corrib fields and small volumes of indigenous biomethane entering the network in Cush, Co. Kildare. According to Gas Networks Ireland, the balance of Ireland’s gas requirements were imported via the interconnectors with Scotland.