Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
64. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if an update will be provided on the actions his Department is taking to research, promote and expand green hydrogen use in the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you Deputy O’Rourke for your question. My Department is very supportive of hydrogen as a transport fuel with a potential role in decarbonising hard to abate sectors such as freight, public transport and moving forward the role it may play in decarbonising aviation and maritime.
To date, my Department has been acting as a policy advisor for any and all working groups looking at hydrogen development in Ireland such as the Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI). In 2021, three double-deck hydrogen buses were procured, trialled and put into service by the NTA on Bus Éireann’s Rathoath to Dublin route. In continuing to support the hydrogen rollout, the Department established the Alternatively Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme which, while being technology-neutral, will allow applicants to apply for forty to sixty per cent of the cost differential of a new hydrogen FCEV. In Budget 2021, the Department worked with the Department of Finance to introduce hydrogen refuelling equipment into the Accelerated Capital Allowance Scheme which allows applicants to claim 100% of the capital cost of eligible equipment.
The Renewable Fuels for Transport Policy Statement was published in November 2021. The Policy Statement sets out the pathway for increasing the supply and use of renewable fuels in transport. The Policy Statement also addresses Ireland’s obligation under European directives to require increased supply of renewable fuels used in transport, such as hydrogen. As an incentive for producing renewable hydrogen, suppliers will be allowed to claim multiple credits when supplying green hydrogen onto the market.
The Department has also been working with the Department of the Taoiseach under the Shared Island initiative to progress all-island hydrogen research. On January 31, the Department published a request for tender requesting a desktop study exploring hydrogen safety regulation and how this may be established in Ireland and ensuring the interoperability of refuelling stations on the island. Once finished, this will lead to further work with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive. This in addition to research my Department is co-funding with the SEAI on looking at appropriate fuels for certain contexts in Ireland which will explore where hydrogen is best suited for use.
Finally, my Department also sits on the Interdepartmental Working Group on Hydrogen which is chaired by officials in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and actively contributes to the development of national hydrogen policy.
