Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) reported that high winds in August significantly increased the production of renewable energy, which resulted in a substantial decline in the need for natural gas for electricity production. Despite this, gas was still the dominant energy source during that month, producing 37% of Ireland’s electricity and peaking at 74%.
The demand for the fossil fuel experienced a decline of 10% from July and 7% compared to August of the previous year, primarily due to heavy winds. Met Éireann has revealed that August was particularly windy, particularly in its second half, largely because of Storm Lilian which hit Ireland late at night on August 22nd and early in the morning on August 23rd. This storm, characterised by heavy rain and high winds, had a positive effect on Ireland’s renewable energy output.
Wind energy made up 34% of all electricity produced in August, representing a significant increase from 22% in July, and maintaining the same percentage as in August of the previous year. GNI reported that wind energy accounted for 74% of Ireland’s electricity at its peak, although it dropped to less than 1% during quiet periods.
The Head of Strategy and Regulation at GNI, Edwina Nyhan, commented on the firm’s most recent gas demand figures. She mentioned that while August had been an exceptional month for wind energy with stronger than usual winds, there had been times when wind power had significantly dropped. She concluded by stating how important the supply of gas is to the country’s energy system, as it supported Ireland’s electricity grid when wind energy was insufficient. Between August 28th and 31st, gas provided more than half of the electricity requirements, peaking at 73%, proving gas network’s flexibility and resilience are crucial to Ireland’s energy system.”