The publication of Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a global leader in renewable energy.
With abundant wind resources, Ireland has the potential to harness green hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel and drive the decarbonization of sectors that are challenging to electrify. This strategy sets the stage for Ireland to achieve its ambitious goals of a zero-carbon, secure energy system and potentially become an exporter of green hydrogen to European markets.
Renewable Hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen is a game-changer in achieving a sustainable energy future. Ireland’s strategy recognizes the immense potential of renewable hydrogen to capture its abundant wind resources. By leveraging renewable hydrogen, Ireland can play a crucial role in dispatchable electricity, long-term energy storage, decarbonizing industrial processes, and fueling transportation sectors such as heavy goods transport, maritime, and aviation.
The strategy outlines 21 short-term actions aimed at removing barriers and facilitating early hydrogen projects while fostering research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain. Ireland’s focus will be on scaling up and producing “green” hydrogen, aligning with its decarbonization and energy security objectives. The plan includes a target of 2GW for renewable hydrogen production sourced from offshore wind by 2030, providing investor certainty and enabling infrastructure deployment on a larger scale.
Minister Eamon Ryan emphasizes the significant wind resources in Ireland and their potential for hydrogen production. By leveraging these resources and targeting sectors that are challenging to decarbonize, Ireland can become a green hydrogen powerhouse, driving its renewable energy potential forward. The National Hydrogen Strategy aligns with Ireland’s vision for a zero-carbon economy and outlines the crucial role of hydrogen in the country’s energy system.
Addressing the Entire Hydrogen Value Chain
The National Hydrogen Strategy takes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the hydrogen value chain. It covers production, end uses, transportation, storage, safety, regulation, markets, innovation, and skills. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, Ireland aims to create a robust and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem that supports its long-term energy goals.
Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy paves the way for a renewable energy powerhouse fueled by green hydrogen. With its exceptional wind resources, Ireland has the opportunity to drive the decarbonization of difficult-to-electrify sectors and secure its energy future. By prioritizing renewable hydrogen production and investing in research and innovation, Ireland is taking significant steps towards achieving its zero-carbon economy vision. The strategy sets the stage for Ireland to lead the way in renewable hydrogen and contribute to a more sustainable future.
