Renewable Energy Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Ceisteanna (165)

David Stanton

Ceist:

165. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with respect to the Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the field of green hydrogen signed between his Department and the German Federal Research Ministry on 31 May 2023, to outline the actions that have been taken and progress made to date; his further plans for the Joint Declaration of Intent; the funding, if any, committed and expended to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19115/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Joint Declaration of Intent emphasises the willingness of both states to initiate their cooperation on research and development in the field of green hydrogen. The Declaration of Intent sets out the intent to cooperate within the EU Strategic Research and Innovation space and explore the potential establishment of a joint pilot green hydrogen project. Since its execution, my Department and the German Federal Research have met typically on a bi-monthly basis to progress these ambitions. Through engagement with the German Chamber of Commerce, a short list of potential candidate projects which could meet the objectives of this agreement are being developed. My Department is also planning to establish an early hydrogen innovation fund as set out in Action #2 of the National Hydrogen Strategy. It is envisioned that this fund could be used to support a joint pilot project in line with the ambitions of this Declaration of Intent.