Ireland

Green Hydrogen Vision

Ireland’s vision for green hydrogen is deeply rooted in its commitment to achieving a net-zero emissions future and fostering sustainable economic growth. Recognizing the transformative potential of renewable hydrogen, Ireland aims to harness its abundant wind energy resources to produce clean, zero-emission hydrogen that can decarbonize key sectors such as heavy transport, industry, and energy storage. The country sees green hydrogen as a crucial component of its integrated energy system, enabling the transition away from fossil fuels in areas where direct electrification is impractical or inefficient. By focusing on sustainable production methods and strategic infrastructure development, Ireland aspires to create a resilient hydrogen economy that not only supports domestic needs but also positions the nation as a leading exporter of green energy in Europe. Central to this vision is a collaborative approach involving government policy, private investment, and international partnerships, all geared towards innovation and long-term environmental stewardship. Through these efforts, Ireland seeks to establish itself as a global leader in renewable hydrogen, contributing to both its own energy independence and the broader fight against climate change. 

National Strategy

Ireland's 2023 National Hydrogen Strategy outlines the country's vision for integrating renewable hydrogen into its energy system to support decarbonization, enhance energy security, and create industrial opportunities. By utilising Ireland's abundant renewable resources, particularly offshore wind, the strategy envisions producing renewable hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning energy-intensive sectors to sustainable alternatives, and positioning Ireland as a global leader in green energy exports. While renewable hydrogen is still a nascent technology, Ireland plans to focus on hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as heavy transport, aviation, and industrial processes, where direct electrification may not be feasible or cost-effective. 

The strategy emphasises the development of critical infrastructure, including hydrogen production facilities, transportation networks, and storage solutions. It promotes the repurposing of existing gas networks for hydrogen and explores large-scale geological storage to ensure energy security and system resilience. The strategy also aims to establish regional hydrogen clusters to streamline production and demand, eventually linking these clusters into a national hydrogen network. Ireland's commitment includes adopting EU standards for renewable hydrogen, leveraging international partnerships, and investing in research and innovation to drive down costs and advance the technology. 

The strategy calls for coordinated government actions, private-sector investment, and international cooperation to achieve these goals. Additionally, the government plans to introduce business models and certification schemes to encourage investment and ensure the sustainability of hydrogen projects. This strategy represents a significant step toward building a renewable hydrogen industry in Ireland, aligning with the country's net-zero emissions targets and ambitions for a sustainable energy future. 

Capacity Targets

Hydrogen Production:  

• Ireland targets 2 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 for renewable hydrogen production, scaling up beyond this for future demand. 
• Production to rely on surplus renewable energy via electrolysis, with renewable hydrogen expected to play a critical role in balancing energy systems. 

Infrastructure Development:  

• Development of regional hydrogen clusters near production and storage sites. 
• Plans to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines and explore geological storage solutions. 
• Initial hydrogen transportation through compressed tankering, transitioning to pipelines and export routes over time. 

Impact Targets

Decarbonisation Goals: 

• Key focus on hard-to-abate sectors: heavy-duty transport, industry, aviation, and shipping. 
• Supports Ireland’s legally binding target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. 
• Emphasis on hydrogen for flexible power generation and long-duration energy storage. 

Energy Security and Independence: 

• Reduce reliance on energy imports (currently at 77%). 
• Leverage Ireland’s extensive offshore wind resources for domestic energy needs and exports, aiming to establish Ireland as a green hydrogen hub for Europe. 

Economic Growth: 

• Potential to create high-skilled jobs and industrial opportunities. 
• Foster technological innovation and collaborations to establish Ireland as a leader in renewable hydrogen. 

Policy and Project Spotlight

1. ESB is leading a study on green hydrogen production and export routes to Germany through Project HYreland, establishing an energy partnership as outlined in a Joint Declaration of Intent. This initiative, supported by the German Government (BMBF) and Ireland’s DECC, will collaborate with industry and research partners like Fraunhofer ISE and the IERC. The focus is on the economic and technical impacts of a cross-border hydrogen agreement, aiming for net zero targets. Evaluations will take place at ESB sites in Moneypoint and Aghada, with preliminary findings expected by the end of 2025.
2. Bord na Móna, a semi-state climate solutions company in Ireland, has selected Arup as the Owners Engineer for a new 2MW pilot hydrogen electrolysis plant to be built at its Mountlucas wind farm in County Offaly. This cutting-edge project aims to generate green hydrogen by utilizing energy from the existing Mountlucas Wind Farm located in the midlands of Ireland. Once operational, the plant will harness this renewable energy to split water, producing over 200,000 kg of green hydrogen annually. In line with Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy, this facility will play a vital role in the country’s energy transition and in boosting energy security. 

Financing

Public and Private Investments: 

• Leverage EU funding and initiatives like Horizon Europe and the REPowerEU plan. 
• Support early-stage projects with innovation funds and co-investment mechanisms. 
• Development of business models for renewable hydrogen production to attract private investors. 

Export Potential: 

• Ireland’s vast renewable resources could enable large-scale production, making it a potential net exporter of renewable hydrogen to European markets. 

Long-Term Vision: 

• Strategic partnerships, skill development, and research funding will underpin the sector’s growth. 

Bord Gáis Energy said it believes green hydrogen is a keystone to making Ireland a “clean, green-energy powerhouse”. The energy company said it is investing €300m to build two hydrogen-capable power generation plants, which are expected to be ready to support the grid at the end of 2024. 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Irish Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications