Irish start-up EI-H2 has unveiled plans for a 50MW green hydrogen project in the Republic of Ireland.
The company intends to seek planning permission for a 50MW electrolyser located in Cork’s Lower Harbour in Aghada.
Over 85 full-time direct and indirect jobs will be created, said EI-H2 which is aiming for the Aghada electrolyser to be operational before the end of 2023.
The cost of construction and connection to the electricity grid is expected to be in the region of €120m.
EI-H2 will shortly begin pre-planning discussions with Cork County Council, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and other interested parties ahead of the formal lodging of planning permission later this year.
The technology being planned for the Aghada site allows for surplus electricity from renewable generation, particularly offshore wind.
The Aghada site will aim to provide over 20 tonnes of green, safe hydrogen a day to the commercial market.
The green hydrogen produced at the plant can be safely added to existing natural gas supplies, helping high volume energy producers to reduce their carbon emissions.
EI-H2 is owned by Cork businessman, Pearse Flynn.
He said: “The production of hydrogen from excess wind capacity will play a significant role in Ireland’s decarbonisation, given that Ireland could be generating 8GW of offshore wind by 2030.
“There inevitably will be ‘curtailed’ energy that will go to waste unless we find ways of using it. EI-H2 is planning the production of safe and environmentally-sound green hydrogen that will allow industry to decarbonise.
“This initiative will create and sustain local jobs, and go a long way towards helping Ireland meet its international obligations on climate change.”
Flynn has been working with Energy Services, an energy consultancy which has experience in grid connections and energy markets operation.
The proposed site has been selected because of its proximity to an “existing triangle” of energy generation, including power generating stations, heavy industry and an oil refinery.
There is also potential to export green hydrogen in the future using a fleet of environmentally friendly ships.
The newly appointed CEO of EI-H2, Tom Lynch, added: “Ireland has incredible potential as an emerging leader in green hydrogen.
“We have identified East Cork as the first site to develop this safe form of new energy, and will be looking at other strategic locations around the country where the power of excess energy can be harnessed.”