Ireland's state-owned electricity provider, ESB, is spearheading a new study to assess the viability of green hydrogen production and export from Ireland to Germany. Known as Project HYreland, the initiative is the first tangible step in the energy collaboration between the two countries, outlined in a Joint Declaration of Intent.
The study is being undertaken in partnership with the German government and Ireland's Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). Primary research will be carried out by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), along with Ireland's International Energy Research Centre. The project will also draw on expertise from industry partners selected for their experience in hydrogen technologies.
The focus of Project HYreland will be to explore the economic and technical feasibility of a cross-border green hydrogen agreement, addressing both production at ESB sites in County Clare and County Cork and the transportation routes needed to export excess supply to Germany. The preliminary results of this evaluation are anticipated by the end of 2025.
Jim Dollard, ESB's executive director of generation and trading, highlighted the significance of green hydrogen for energy reliability, particularly during periods when wind and solar generation is low. “Green hydrogen will be a source of clean energy that can be utilised when electricity produced by wind and solar is low,” Dollard said. He noted that similar international studies offer valuable references for Project HYreland's development.
German Ambassador to Ireland David Gill expressed confidence in the partnership, underscoring the potential of green hydrogen to advance Europe's energy transition. “Green hydrogen will play a decisive role in the green transformation in Europe,” Gill said. He added that the initiative would help tap into Ireland's green hydrogen potential, not only for Germany but also for Europe as a whole.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards both countries' net-zero ambitions, strengthening Ireland's position as a future hub for renewable hydrogen and underscoring Germany's commitment to building a robust European hydrogen network.
