Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
74. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the hydrogen strategy for Ireland and the role that green hydrogen will play as a fuel for power generation, manufacturing, energy storage and transport. [45778/22]
View answer119. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop green hydrogen storage facilities and infrastructure to support the green hydrogen economy in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45765/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 119 together. 7
Green hydrogen has the potential to support decarbonisation in “difficult-to-decarbonise” sectors where energy efficiency and electrification are not feasible solutions. For example, in heavy transport for goods vehicles, or maritime and aviation craft, or as a source for high-temperature heat in industry. Hydrogen storage could also have a significant role to play in power generation as a form of long-term electricity storage, where hydrogen would be used as a backup to renewables to generate electricity during periods of low renewable availability. On 12 July, my Department launched a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties in order to inform the development of a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. The consultation paper set out various areas of interest to be considered in the development of the hydrogen strategy and invited stakeholders’ responses on specific questions to be answered in this regard. Stakeholder views were sought on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, infrastructure, storage, and demand in Ireland, as well as the potential export opportunities for hydrogen. Among the issues addressed was the question of storage and responses were invited on a range of questions as to how Ireland might best develop hydrogen storage capacity. The consultation ran for an 8-week response period, which concluded on Friday 2nd September, following which analysis of the responses received and preparation of the strategy document has begun, with a view to publication of the strategy before year-end.
