Zenith Energy and EI-H2 have launched a joint venture to build a 3.2 gigatonne (GW) green energy project at Irish Bantry Bay that would create green hydrogen and green ammonia.
When fully operational, the new facility has the potential to reduce Irish carbon emissions by 2.4 million tonnes per year, which is equivalent to the carbon emissions of one-quarter of all Irish residences. It will be one of the world’s largest of its sort, operating alongside Zenith Energy’s current Bantry Bay Terminal. This advancement will cement Ireland’s position as a global leader in the generation and export of green energy. Bantry Bay was deliberately chosen as the site for a facility of this size due to its closeness to some of the most productive off-shore wind-generated electricity sources.
The first phase of the project will see the building of a scalable green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of up to 2.7 GW. The second phase entails the development of a 500MW green ammonia facility, which will use the green hydrogen generated in the first phase. The facility’s green energy will be used both domestically and internationally, providing carbon-free options to help lower the country’s carbon footprint and place Ireland on the map for green energy export.
“We are pleased to be involved in this exciting, new joint venture. This partnership is an excellent opportunity for our Bantry operations, for the local community and for Ireland as a country. For many years now, our Whiddy Island operation has supported the security of Ireland’s energy supply. This new joint venture will see Zenith Energy take a pioneering role in the development of a new green energy industry for Ireland. Critically, our green hydrogen and green ammonia production plans align with Government and EU policy for meeting the region’s 2050 climate action goals.”
Ellen Ruhotas, managing director of Zenith Energy.
“Ireland is on the cusp of a genuine green revolution. Instead of waiting for someone else to decarbonize our country, we are looking to develop domestic ways of making a real difference. With a renewable source of off-shore wind and water, we can produce real fuel alternatives to help industry and commercial customers reduce their carbon footprint. The expertise of Zenith Energy, and their existing facility at Bantry Bay, makes for an ideal partnership as we begin this journey. Ireland needs to think big to realize its green potential, and this project is of the scale required to develop this new industry.”
Pearse Flynn, founder of EI-H2.
Before applying for planning clearance, Zenith Energy and EI-H2 have begun a year-long feasibility assessment. The new facility could be operational by 2028, at which point enough wind power from offshore sources will be available to match the project’s intended scale.
