Gas Networks Ireland and the Corrib joint venture of Nephin Energy and Vermilion Energy have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to advance a green hydrogen pilot at the Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal in County Mayo.
The companies said the pilot will examine the potential to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity and the Corrib project’s existing infrastructure. Planned work includes feasibility studies and technical assessments linked to the site’s wind resource and gas network connection.
The initiative forms part of the Corrib JV’s Atlantic Energy @ Corrib programme, which is exploring long-term energy opportunities for the terminal. Initial assessments indicate that industrial-scale hydrogen production could be a leading pathway given the location, infrastructure and renewable resource.
The partners said repurposing the existing assets could help support regional employment, specialist skills and innovation investment in the west of Ireland.
The collaboration aligns with Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which identifies green hydrogen as an important component of the country’s climate-neutral transition.
Jarlath Trench, managing director of Vermilion in Ireland, said: “The project builds on Vermilion’s long-standing relationship with Gas Networks Ireland and the shared track record of working together on Ireland’s energy infrastructure.”
Tom O’Brien, chief executive of Nephin Energy Group, added: “Through our Nephin Renewable Gas business, we have delivered meaningful progress in biomethane development in Mayo and beyond, demonstrating the role indigenous renewable gases can play in Ireland’s energy transition.
“We are now extending that momentum into green hydrogen at Corrib, which has the potential to develop into one of Ireland’s key hydrogen hubs by leveraging its existing infrastructure and strong renewable energy resources.”
David Kelly, chief executive of Gas Networks Ireland, said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to understanding how renewable gases could contribute to Ireland’s future energy system.
