Ireland and Germany have recently forged a cooperation agreement to delve into the realm of “green hydrogen,” an emerging field with immense potential. However, despite industry calls for urgency, the long-awaited national strategy on green hydrogen publication date remains uncertain.
The Department of Environment has provided limited information, only stating that the strategy will be released “shortly.” This delay has prompted industry figures to stress the importance of a prompt publication, considering the critical role of renewable energy.
Initially expected to be published by the end of the second quarter of this year, the national hydrogen strategy has been in the works for some time. The Irish government acknowledged the urgency after a significant report revealed that the country was falling behind its counterparts in leveraging the vast potential of green hydrogen.
The region of Cork has been earmarked by government officials and business leaders as a prime location for green hydrogen production. With existing infrastructure and natural advantages, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan believes Cork is well-suited to lead the way in this field.
Despite the delay in publishing the strategy, Minister Ryan expressed his preference for accuracy over haste, acknowledging the importance of getting it right. Nevertheless, Ireland has the potential to become a “green hydrogen powerhouse” by producing the most cost-effective green hydrogen in Europe by 2030, according to a recent analysis.
Aurora Energy Research, a prominent power market analytics company, highlighted Ireland’s capacity to become a continental leader in green hydrogen. However, they cautioned that further policy support is necessary to unlock the full potential of this promising sector.
As it stands, Ireland lags behind many other European countries in the realm of green hydrogen, but with concerted efforts and strategic policies, it can catch up and establish itself as a key player in this rapidly evolving field.
