Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
163. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish a green hydrogen strategy involving the emerging industry across the EU as well as key domestic stakeholders to assess hydrogen's suitability as a key future energy source for Ireland's economy and identify the main infrastructure investment requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long term storage of energy, the opportunity of dispatchable wind and solar power, the potential of chemical feedstocks, the potential of an export market and the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing. Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and realising the full potential of this massive resource will be a major opportunity for Ireland, and for green hydrogen production. In response to the climate crisis and the current energy crisis, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like green hydrogen.Earlier this year, the Government agreed the Sectoral Emission Ceilings. As part of this, we agreed an additional 2GW offshore wind Power to X. I wanted to do this to ensure that the planning, regulatory and market systems adjust to deliver more than just the directly connected electricity system requirements. I would expect that this increased target will be substantially for the delivery of green hydrogen.
A Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland is also under development on its way. As you know earlier this year, my Department launched a public consultation to gather views on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, infrastructure, storage, and demand in Ireland, as well as the potential export opportunities for hydrogen. The significant number of responses we received reflects the momentum building behind green hydrogen in Ireland. Work is expected to conclude shortly on a summary report of the 126 substantive responses, which will be a significant step in developing the hydrogen strategy. The summary report will be considered for publication by the end of year, with the strategy itself to follow early in the new year.
