Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
145. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he intends to publish Ireland's National Hydrogen Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10715/23]
View answer151. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the zoning of land for electrolyser facilities in the context of renewable hydrogen production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10721/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 151 together.
Hydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long duration energy storage, dispatchable renewable electricity, the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing and a potential export market opportunity, given Ireland's offshore renewable potential. Last year, the Government agreed the Sectoral Emission Ceilings. As part of this, we agreed an additional 2GW offshore wind to be allocated for the production of green hydrogen. Hydrogen and decarbonised gases should be a critical component of Ireland’s energy ecosystem and decarbonisation pathway.
A hydrogen strategy for Ireland is being developed, with an anticipated completion timeline of Q2 2023. This strategy will set out the need for a robust safety and regulatory framework to be in place, as well as the need to ensure licensing and permitting procedures are in place to enable sustainable indigenously produced green hydrogen supply chains to develop.
