Irish green hydrogen developer EIH2, the Port of Cork and the Port of Amsterdam have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pave the way for establishing a supply chain for green hydrogen between Ireland and Europe via the Port of Amsterdam.
Earlier this year, the Irish Government identified an additional 2GW of offshore wind to be used for green hydrogen production and EIH2 said this partnership provides the route to market that is needed for Ireland to become a net exporter of energy over time.
The MoU reflects the “high level of collaboration” between Ireland and the Netherlands and the European approach of working together to become the first net zero continent.
The MoU signing forms part of an offshore wind mission organised by the Netherlands Embassy in Ireland from 11-14 September and held in Cork.
The purpose of the mission is to increase collaboration on the energy transition between Ireland and The Netherlands at a national level and business to business.
The event brings together key stakeholders from the wind sector in Ireland and the Netherlands including supply chain, developers, academics, utilities, policy writers and policy influencers.
The signing ceremony of the MoU was attended by the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten and the Irish Minister of State for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, as official witnesses to the agreement.
Pearse Flynn, EIH2’s founder, said: “Our goal at EIH2 is to help both Ireland and Europe achieve their ambitious energy targets.
“The recent RePowerEU plan quadruples the role for green hydrogen in Europe.
“This was reflected in Ireland’s recent carbon budgets, with an additional 2GW of offshore wind planned specifically for green hydrogen production.”
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Cork Company, said: “At the Port of Cork Company, we see significant opportunities for Cork Harbour to become a hub for renewable energy, which will benefit the environment, local businesses and create employment in the region.
“We hope to utilise our facilities at this strategic location, working together with like-minded partners to support the development of renewable energy opportunities.”
Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen, Director Business Development Cargo of Port of Amsterdam, added: “For Port of Amsterdam, priorities are to make green hydrogen available to the large industrial clusters in the greater Amsterdam area, as well as to serve as a gateway to the European hinterland, including regions with high potential demand in Germany.
“The developments in the south of Ireland and the technical proficiency of Irish parties, mean the country will be well positioned for the future export of this new energy source.
“The port of Amsterdam will offer a route to market for Irish green hydrogen, both in our port itself, and in the rest of Europe.”