Gas Networks Ireland and the Corrib joint venture of Nephin Energy and Vermilion Energy have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to progress a green hydrogen pilot at the Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal in County Mayo.
The companies said the pilot will assess the potential to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity and Corrib’s existing infrastructure.
They added that the work will include feasibility studies and technical assessments tied to the site’s wind resource and gas network connection.
The project forms part of the Corrib JV’s Atlantic Energy @ Corrib initiative, which is evaluating long-term energy opportunities for the terminal.
The partners stated that initial assessments point to industrial-scale hydrogen production as a leading option due to the site’s location, infrastructure and renewable potential.
They said repurposing the infrastructure could support regional employment, specialist skills and innovation investment in the west of Ireland.
Collaboration on the pilot aligns with the National Hydrogen Strategy, which identifies green hydrogen as a key enabler of Ireland’s climate-neutral transition.
Jarlath Trench, managing director of Vermilion in Ireland, said: “The project builds on Vermilion’s long-standing relationship with Gas Networks Ireland and the shared track record of working together on Ireland’s energy infrastructure.”
Tom O’Brien, chief executive of Nephin Energy Group, added: “Through our Nephin Renewable Gas business, we have delivered meaningful progress in biomethane development in Mayo and beyond, demonstrating the role indigenous renewable gases can play in Ireland’s energy transition.”
“We are now extending that momentum into green hydrogen at Corrib, which has the potential to develop into one of Ireland’s key hydrogen hubs by leveraging its existing infrastructure and strong renewable energy resources.”
David Kelly, chief executive officer of Gas Networks Ireland, stated the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to understanding how renewable gases could fit into Ireland’s future energy system.