Ireland

National Hydrogen Strategy

The strategy is framed within the context of carbon neutrality by 2050, where hydrogen can be a substitute for fossil fuels in hard to decarbonise sectors where direct electrification and energy efficiency are not feasible or cost effective. It is also seen as a way to enhance energy security through long-term energy storage and management of renewable energy sources’ seasonality. As there is no existing hydrogen industry to be decarbonised, such will need to be developed and it will be based on the offshore wind potential of the country. Key sectors where hydrogen will be used are heavy-duty transport, aviation and maritime. Exports of green hydrogen are also considered.

PRODUCTION

Hydrogen production is expected to take place from grid connected electrolysers before 2030, with prioritisation of use in periods of high wind and curtailment. Low-carbon hydrogen production is not anticipated to have a role. The main obstacle identified is the development of a new hydrogen industry. 

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Hydrogen transport is to first take place via compressed tanks. Infrastructure will be developed afterwards in clusters, where there is high demand and large-scale storage. At a later stage it is envisioned that clusters will be linked together. Infrastructure development is to take place in an integrated way, taking into account energy systems, networks, storage and ports. An overall plan to transition from natural gas to hydrogen overtime will be developed. Initial assessments provide for 100% hydrogen in existing natural gas grids with minimal modifications, therefore continued assessment of technical feasibility and localised network trials will be carried out, as well as work on technical network capacity.
As to blending, it is not seen as a high priority end-use for hydrogen. Although it can play an enabling role, when there is excess production, it should not be seen as a way to extend the lifespan of certain gas networks (e.g. domestic users) where the long-term vision is for a transition to other off-network end-uses. 
Preliminary assessments of storage have identified 271 potential salt caverns offshore which could deliver 0.1 TWh of hydrogen storage each, or 27 TWh cumulatively. Further assessment will be carried out. The regulatory regime for hydrogen storage will be reviewed as it is a barrier for development of hydrogen storage.

CROSS-CUTTING

The development of hydrogen clusters will be promoted. Specific attention is paid to safety issues and a safety roadmap will be developed. The appropriate regulatory framework for hydrogen will need to be defined to ensure hydrogen safety. Further studies and assessments on hydrogen leakage and NOx emissions will be needed.
On standardisation and certification, the establishment of a certification scheme for hydrogen is foreseen, with the integration of electricity guarantees of origin in order to avoid double counting. Additionally, EU standards will need to be adapted. The national standardisation body will continue to actively participate in hydrogen standardisation at EU and international levels.

END-USES

Mobility

Hydrogen is expected to have a role in freight, HDV and regional and intercity transport. Additionally, the aviation and maritime sectors are priority end-use for hydrogen. An update of the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure 2017-2030 will be initiated to include considerations for the role of hydrogen in transport. Support for the roll-out of hydrogen powered heavy duty vehicles will be provided. FCEV are not foreseen to have a role in the passenger car segment.

Industry

In industry, hydrogen is expected to have a role in medium and high-grade heat applications, but not in low-grade. At the time of writing other non-energy uses of hydrogen such as ammonia production, are not foreseen however they might arise. 

Energy 

Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in enabling flexible power generation both through the decarbonisation of conventional generation and in order to enable renewable energy storage. Further assessments will be carried out to understand the actual quantities of hydrogen needed within a net-zero integrated energy system.