Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
123. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop a work programme as is required by the Climate Action Plan to deliver one to three TWh of zero emissions gas by 2030, specifically in relation to green hydrogen. [18791/22]
View answerClimate Action Plan 2021 establishes a target to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2021 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 Plan contains a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors and includes: - testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;
- assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen;
- progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The 2021 SEAI National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme Call included a number of projects relating to green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind foundations coupled with hydrogen storage. The SEAI's National Heat Study, published in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen.
My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. This consultation will include consideration of the work programme required to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas. I expect this strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
