In order to investigate the possibility of creating a hydrogen lighthouse project in the area near the airport’s site, ESB and the Shannon Airport Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

In order to showcase the use of hydrogen in aviation, heavy goods transport, and industry as well as to serve as a model for the net zero integrated energy system of the future, the project seeks to investigate the building of a sustainable green hydrogen plant at Shannon.

The EU’s goal to have a hydrogen refueling station every 100 km along the core and extensive Trans-European Transport Network by 2028 is met by this initiative, one of the first of its kind in Ireland, which combines hydrogen refueling and battery electric vehicle charging in one site. Additionally, it would have the potential to be used in local industry and in the testing and development of sustainable aviation fuels.

As part of the Lighthouse Project, the two organizations will now cooperate on concept development tasks such high-level design, site identification, safety, environmental, and planning issues, as well as local involvement with hydrogen development enthusiasts.

As a component of the ESB’s Green Atlantic Moneypoint initiative, the project will show the enormous potential of the resource in the Shannon Estuary. Toward the end of the decade, the plan includes building a green hydrogen production, storage, and generation facility at the Co Clare site.