Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
215. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he supports the development of green hydrogen fuel as an alternative energy source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7348/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021, published in November, identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. The Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors. It also sets out how green hydrogen could address some of the challenges faced by the energy sector, such as providing a back-up for intermittent renewables. A key target set out in the Climate Action Plan is to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver one to three terra-watt hours of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030.
In accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the Climate Action Plan is a living document and will be updated on an annual basis to reflect ongoing developments and targets achieved. My Department continues to work with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to carry out research and develop policies to support the uptake of green hydrogen. I expect a strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
