Green Hydrogen Opportunities in South-East Ireland (IE)

South-East Ireland is making significant strides toward green hydrogen integration, particularly through the collaboration between the South East Energy Agency and Waterford County Council.

First Strategic Steps for Waterford’s Green Hydrogen Journey

Following the kick-off of UNIFHY, a meeting was held on 25th June 2024 to explore how to establish a comprehensive green hydrogen strategy. This marks a key milestone in efforts to lift the barriers preventing green hydrogen adoption in Ireland, and in positioning Waterford as a strategic player in the future green hydrogen economy.

During the first strategic meeting, several core objectives were outlined to guide the development of an action plan to get the green hydrogen project started. The next major steps decided are:

• Mapping the local stakeholder group: Identifying key regional actors, businesses, and organisations that are related to green hydrogen and biomethane technologies.

• Stakeholder engagement: Conducting both online and in-person meetings with these stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and collaborative efforts needed to advance green hydrogen and biomethane initiatives in Waterford.

• Thematic reporting: Production of a comprehensive report that compiles best practices and insights from the stakeholder group, helping inform future strategies and decisions.

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of UNIFHY, which focuses on identifying barriers to green hydrogen development, fostering collaboration, and improving policies to support the uptake of green hydrogen and biomethane technologies across Europe.

Aligning with Ireland's Hydrogen Strategy

Waterford County Council local strategy aligns with the national objectives outlined in Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of infrastructure development, regulatory support, and stakeholder collaboration. The county is now focusing on building the necessary facilities for green hydrogen production and biomethane generation, while also engaging in research and innovation to advance the technologies in these sectors.

As UNIFHY advances, Waterford County Council aims to provide financial incentives to businesses and households to encourage the adoption of these technologies, as well as launch public awareness campaigns to increase understanding of green hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source. These efforts will help ensure Waterford is at the forefront of Ireland’s green hydrogen journey, contributing to the EU’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable growth.

A Collaborative Effort to Overcome Barriers

UNIFHY is designed to help regions like Waterford overcome the challenges that have slowed down green hydrogen development. By pooling knowledge from more advanced regions in Europe and transferring this expertise to areas that are less developed, UNIFHY will enable Waterford to play a leading role in Ireland’s green hydrogen transition.

Waterford County Council and South East Energy Agency’s engagement is crucial for driving local solutions that support the larger national and European goals of increasing renewable energy use, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The South East Energy Agency’s efforts in green hydrogen and biomethane integration will also promote sustainable growth and create new job opportunities, boosting the region’s economy and ensuring a more resilient energy system.