Ireland’s gas network: secure energy today and a pathway to a sustainable tomorrow

Gas Networks Ireland plays a pivotal role in Ireland’s energy landscape, delivering reliable, secure and increasingly sustainable energy solutions. With national infrastructure valued at €3 billion, Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains over 14,725 km of pipelines, including two subsea interconnectors linking Ireland with the UK’s National Transmission System. This extensive network is the backbone of Ireland’s energy system.

The cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system

In 2024, gas continued to underpin Ireland’s energy system, supplying 41% of the country’s electricity, with peaks of up to 83% during periods of low wind generation. Overall gas demand rose by 2% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This highlights gas’s critical role in providing backup power and ensuring energy security as Ireland accelerates its renewable electricity ambitions.

Driving decarbonisation through renewable gas

Ireland’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is ambitious, and Gas Networks Ireland is at the forefront of delivering a decarbonised gas network by 2045. This transformation involves two renewable gases: biomethane and green hydrogen.

Biomethane: harnessing Ireland’s potential

Biomethane, a carbon neutral renewable gas produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion is already making an impact. Ireland has Europe’s highest per capita potential for biomethane production, with the government targeting 5.7 TWh of output by 2030. In 2024, Gas Networks Ireland achieved key milestones to support this nascent industry, including commencing construction on a €32 million Central Grid Injection (CGI) facility in Mitchelstown, County Cork. This project will enable direct biomethane injection into the national grid, seamlessly replacing natural gas.

Biomethane’s benefits extend beyond emissions reduction as it offers potential new income streams for rural communities, supports agricultural decarbonisation and promotes a circular economy. Gas Networks Ireland’s collaboration with producers, supported by government incentives, is helping to accelerate the development of this indigenous energy source.

Hydrogen: the future of net zero carbon gas

Looking further ahead, green hydrogen – produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity – will play a transformative role in Ireland’s energy system. The EU anticipates hydrogen could meet 14% of Europe’s energy consumption by 2050. In Ireland, hydrogen is expected to account for 3% of gas demand by 2032, with significant scaling in subsequent years. Gas Networks Ireland is preparing the country’s gas infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen, which involves repurposing existing gas pipelines.

Pathway to a net zero carbon network by 2045

Launched in 2024, Gas Networks Ireland’s Pathway to a Net Zero Carbon Network outlines a four-phase strategy to transition to a fully renewable gas network. The goal is to transport 100% renewable gases – 30% biomethane and 70% hydrogen – by 2045, ensuring energy security while supporting Ireland’s climate objectives.

• Foundation phase (until 2027): Focuses on enhancing network resilience and developing critical infrastructure like the Mitchelstown CGI facility.
• Development phase (2028–2032): Targets substantial renewable gas integration, including the start of hydrogen blending and reaching 5.7 TWh of biomethane production.
• Repositioning phase (2033–2040): Involves large scale hydrogen network repurposing and the establishment of hydrogen clusters.
• Conversion phase (2041–2045): Completes the transition to a fully renewable gas network, eliminating natural gas use.

Gas in transport: a growing solution

2024 saw remarkable progress, with demand for gas in transport increasing by 67% year-on-year. The opening of Ireland’s first dedicated BioCNG refuelling stations marked a pivotal step in reducing commercial transport emissions. Fuelling heavy goods vehicles with BioCNG offers a carbon-neutral alternative where electrification is less viable, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of road freight.

Commitment to sustainability and community engagement

Beyond decarbonisation, Gas Networks Ireland is dedicated to responsible business practices and community engagement. Recognised as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champion in 2024, the company integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into its operations. Its ISO14001-certified environmental management systems and initiatives targeting biodiversity, energy efficiency and emissions reduction reinforce its leadership in sustainability.

Looking ahead

Gas Networks Ireland’s vision for a fully renewable gas network by 2045 reflects its commitment to securing Ireland’s energy needs today while enabling a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through strategic investments, research collaborations and innovative infrastructure projects, the company is driving Ireland’s transition to a net zero energy system while ensuring that security of supply.

For more information visit www.gasnetworks.ie