A new paper sets out how switching to a hydrogen economy in Ireland could end the country’s reliance on imported power.
The paper by the chief executive of Hydrogen Ireland Paul McCormack (pictured left) is being launched at the organisation’s annual conference at Fota Ireland resort in Cork.
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published last year, outlined the aim to scale up the production of green hydrogen, producing 2GW of fuel from offshore renewable energy by 2035, with a target of at least 37GW of offshore renewable energy by 2050.
McCormack said: “Firstly, green hydrogen is clean and renewable and can be produced from a variety of sources, including renewables such as wind and solar power, further reducing its carbon footprint.
“Secondly, its high energy density makes it an efficient and compact fuel source, particularly for applications where weight and space are critical, such as transportation.
“Furthermore, hydrogen can be stored and transported easily, allowing for greater flexibility in its use.
“Thirdly – and maybe especially in the Irish context – the use of hydrogen in energy systems can contribute to energy security and independence.
“With the challenges of the climate crisis, energy costs, energy security and rising concerns over geopolitical tensions, diversifying our energy sources is crucial.
“Hydrogen offers a viable alternative that can be produced domestically, reducing reliance on foreign oil and gas, and offering Ireland the vision of a future with energy autonomy.”
Speakers at the conference include senior representatives from the Departments of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Environment Climate and Communications and Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy.
Industry speakers include representatives from Gas Networks Ireland, ESB, Indaver, Lagan Technologies, HyEnergy and Bord na Mona.
ESB’s hydrogen, storage and power-to-X senior manager Aodhan McAleer said: “Green hydrogen will be part of the net zero energy system of the future, providing a vital source of back up dispatchable generation and helping ensure security of supply.
“ESB is building the capability and investing in projects that will ensure we are ready to deploy at scale.”
Gas Networks Ireland’s hydrogen programme director Brian Mullins said: “Gas Networks Ireland is fully committed to advancing green hydrogen as a cornerstone of our pathway to a net zero gas network.
“Our infrastructure provides a vital connection between hydrogen production and consumption, creating a secure bridge between green energy sources and end users.
“We are working towards preparing our network to be repurposed to ultimately transport 100% hydrogen through supporting clusters which will be connected in the future as demand grows.”