Ireland's Potential Hydrogen Industry: A Clean, Job-Creating Opportunity
Key Ideas
- Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) research suggests investing in hydrogen for transport could attract €6bn and create 640 new jobs, while cutting emissions by 260,000 tonnes annually.
- Ireland can tap into EU funding for hydrogen development but lacks matching commitments and supportive policies from the Government.
- Gas Networks Ireland plans to split the national gas grid for renewable gas by 2045, emphasizing green hydrogen and the role of industry in hydrogen production.
- Despite the potential benefits, challenges like infrastructure, cost, and uncertainty remain in adopting widespread hydrogen use in Ireland's industries.
Fresh calls have been made in Ireland to develop a hydrogen industry, particularly focusing on its application in various transport sectors. Reports from Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) suggest that introducing hydrogen in road, rail, aviation, and maritime transportation could not only attract significant investments totaling €6 billion but also result in the creation of 640 new long-term jobs. The move towards hydrogen is seen as a solution for reducing emissions by 260,000 tonnes annually, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy-duty trucks, buses, shipping, and aviation. While much of the current hydrogen consumption globally is from grey hydrogen, Ireland aims to produce more green hydrogen by utilizing renewable electricity through electrolysis. Despite the potential, Ireland faces challenges like a lack of government commitments and policies hindering access to EU funds for hydrogen projects. Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) has ambitious plans to split the national gas grid into biomethane and hydrogen networks by 2045, with a vision of transporting 100% renewable gas, including a substantial portion from green hydrogen. However, uncertainties persist regarding the industry's role in hydrogen production and the cost of hydrogen gas. The positive sentiment towards hydrogen is evident through statements from HMI and GNI, emphasizing the job creation, emission reduction, and energy security benefits that a thriving hydrogen industry could bring to Ireland.