Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
96. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is considering a financial/subsidy response to allow the production of cost-competitive hydrogen through renewable energy, in view of recent announcements to do so by the UK and some of our European neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20851/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long term storage of energy, the opportunity of dispatchable wind and solar power, the potential of chemical feedstocks, the potential of an export market and the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing. Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising the full potential of this massive resource will be a major opportunity for Ireland, and for renewable hydrogen production. In response to the climate crisis and security of energy supply, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like hydrogen.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was adopted in July 2023. It sets out the strategic vision on the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system, looking to its long-term role as a key component of a zero-carbon economy, and the short-term actions that need to be delivered over the coming years to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. One of the actions identified in the Strategy is to develop the commercial business models to support the scale up and development of renewable hydrogen, targeting surplus renewable grid electricity pre-2030 and an initial 2 GW of offshore wind from 2030. Work is taking place on this action in pace with the development of onshore and offshore wind power. “Powering Prosperity Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy” was adopted in March of this year and examines further the industrial opportunities that will come from abundant offshore wind and hydrogen technology. The commercial business models referred to in the Action will include financial incentives and subsidies as needed.
