News
Gas still biggest source of electricity generation despite dip in January
Gas generated 42% of the country’s electricity demand in January, new figures show today
Gas generated 42% of the country’s electricity demand in January, new figures show today
The country’s gas demand fell by 8% in January compared to December due to milder than usual weather during the month.
New figures from Gas Networks Ireland show that gas remained the main source of electricity generation in the first month of 2023, as it was for nine months of 2022.
Gas generated 42% of the country’s electricity demand in January, down 7% on both the previous month and on the same time last year.
At times, gas powered electricity peaked at 80% and it never fell below 12%, Gas Network Ireland noted.
Today’s figures from Gas Networks Ireland shows that gas demand fell in the manufacturing sector by 14% on a monthly basis.
The mild weather also contributed to a decrease in gas demand from the office and residential sectors, with demand down 15% and 11% respectively on an annual basis.
But demand from the construction sector increased by 26% on a monthly basis and there was an annual increase of 14% in the retail, laundry and airport sectors.
Meanwhile, wind energy set a new record as it provided 40% of electricity generation in January – an increase of 21% both on an annual and monthly basis.
At its peak, wind generated up to 76% of the country’s electricity during January.
But as is the nature of renewable energy sources, there were also times in the month when the wind supply fell away and provided as little as 1% of the country’s electricity requirements.
Coal generated 8% of January’s electricity, falling significantly on December’s contribution of 33% and down by 43% compared to January last year.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Acting Director of Strategy and Regulation Brian Mullins said there were days in January when there was little or no wind, which meant that weather dependant renewable energy was not available to generate electricity and meet the country’s energy demand.
“This is why gas continues to be the ideal partner for weather dependant renewables. 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 said.
“Our vision is to continue being at the heart of Ireland’s energy future and we are working to repurpose Ireland’s world-class network of gas pipelines to transport renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, for Ireland’s low carbon future,” he said.
“There are plans to repurpose over 60% of the EU’s existing gas network to transport hydrogen, and we are very well positioned in Ireland to do this,” he added.
Article Source: Gas still biggest source of electricity generation despite dip in January – RTE
Back to Uncategorised
