Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €2.7bn, 14,617km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern gas networks in Europe.

Over 706,000 homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide affordable and reliable energy to meet their heating and cooking needs. The gas network is a vital national asset and is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 31% of Ireland’s total energy, including 40% of all heating and over 52% of the country’s electricity generation.

In 2020, gas demand for electricity generation ranged between 25% and almost 90%. When the wind didn’t blow and the sun didn’t shine, the national gas network was there to ensure the lights stayed on and our devices were powered. At times, wind and solar generated as little as 1% of the country’s electricity, meaning essential services and health facilities relied on the security of gas-generated electricity.

Emitting significantly less CO2 than coal and oil, natural gas has played an important role in reducing Ireland’s energy emissions since the 1970s, and the ever-reliable power behind Ireland’s electricity generation will continue to play an integral role in the country’s transition to a low carbon economy.

Gas is particularly important for many Irish industries, delivering the high intensity heat that many processes require. Businesses know they can depend on the gas network’s reliability and flexibility.

As an energy source, natural gas is of strategic importance to Ireland, facilitating job creation and economic growth. However, while natural gas is the cleanest conventional fuel, Ireland must transition to more sustainable alternatives to meet its climate action targets.

Our ambition is for a net-zero carbon gas network by 2050 and to support emissions reductions across every sector of the Irish economy, in the least cost, least disruptive, most safe and secure manner.

New technologies such as compressed natural gas and renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen, can all play a part in helping decarbonise Ireland’s economy, and we are working to make this possible. 

By replacing natural gas with renewable gases and complementing intermittent renewable electricity, we are supporting Ireland’s journey to a cleaner energy future.

Transitioning to a clean energy economy by 2050 requires a balance between sustainability, security and affordability. Leveraging existing energy assets and capabilities will enable Ireland to reach its targets effectively. The national gas network is ready to play its role a delivering a cleaner energy future.