Ireland has significant long‑term potential to produce renewable hydrogen from its extensive offshore wind resources, positioning it to contribute meaningfully to Europe’s clean energy transition.
This study, produced in response to Action 8 of Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy, explores both the ambition and feasibility of renewable hydrogen production in Ireland. It evaluates the demand for hydrogen, domestically and in Europe, and examines high-level technical and commercial considerations for exporting hydrogen, including options such as repurposing existing pipelines, developing new pipelines and non-pipeline transport (i.e. shipping).
The report highlights that pipeline transport becomes cost‑effective only at scale and would require careful technical, policy and investment planning. It outlines several next steps to advance Ireland’s ability to export hydrogen: accelerating the rollout of offshore wind to provide the necessary electricity to produce renewable hydrogen using electrolysis; enabling export through appropriate regulatory and commercial mechanisms; engaging with governments and gas network operators; and developing detailed concepts for future export systems.
