IRELAND’S ENERGY SYSTEM is evolving, and the latest advancements in our national energy strategy are bringing us closer to the clean energy future we all want.

As things stand right now, Ireland’s energy matrix is currently made up of 50% oil, 33% natural gas, a growing share of renewables, and a small amount from other sources.

Gas Networks Ireland is working to support Ireland’s goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy by using the already existing gas infrastructure to transport more renewable gas.

You might think it sounds a bit complicated, but Ireland’s transition away from natural gas to renewable sources such as green hydrogen and biomethane is already underway.

What should I know about Ireland’s gas network?

Ireland’s gas network is a publicly owned asset worth approximately €3 billion, with 14,758 km of pipeline transporting gas to homes and businesses across the country. At present, over 720,000 homes and businesses across 23 counties rely on the gas network for heating, cooking, manufacturing, and transport.

Not only that, but gas is an essential component of the energy grid whenever the output of wind and solar sources is low. Gas Networks Ireland is committed to replacing natural gas in the Irish energy system with renewable gases like green hydrogen and biomethane.

Gas remains essential to Ireland’s current energy strategy, and in 2024, gas was responsible for generating 41% of the country’s total electricity. This surged during times when wind energy and solar energy were less available, at which times gas powered up to 83% of electricity — making sure that homes could keep their lights on, keep their devices charged, and their lives powered. 

Crucially, Ireland’s infrastructure is already capable of the transition from natural gas to renewables. This means we are already closer to a clean energy future than you might think.

Ireland’s gas pipelines are already being prepared to transport renewable gases, including both biomethane and green hydrogen, and as such provide a cost-effective low low-disruption pathway to decarbonisation. This is especially the case for sectors wherein electrification is difficult, such as heavy industry, high temperature processes and transport. 

Gas Networks Ireland is working to deliver a fully decarbonised gas network, ensuring a secure and reliable energy supply while supporting Ireland’s climate and energy goals.

Gas Networks Ireland’s innovation team has been participating in projects with external research partners to understand the full potential of hydrogen and ensure that the gas network is capable of safely transporting and storing both blended and up to 100% green hydrogen into the future.

In transport, bioCNG (compressed biomethane) is helping to significantly reduce emissions offering up to 90% CO₂ savings compared to diesel. Produced from organic waste and fully compatible with existing gas vehicles and infrastructure, bioCNG supports Irish agriculture and the circular economy. It’s tracked and certified as renewable gas through Gas Networks Ireland’s Renewable Gas Registry, with a growing network of public and private refuelling stations nationwide.

By removing natural gas from Ireland’s energy system over time and replacing it with renewable gases, Gas Networks Ireland is aligning with Ireland’s national decarbonisation goals, supporting other forms of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, and making use of Ireland’s own abundant resources to make our own energy.

To learn more about how Gas Networks Ireland is helping move Ireland towards a green energy future, visit https://www.gasnetworks.ie/pathway-net-zero/.