Minister O'Brien and Minister of State Dooley publish 'Exporting Hydrogen from Ireland' study
- Published on: 6 February 2026
- Last updated on: 6 February 2026
Report sets out the future potential for exporting renewable hydrogen from Ireland to continental Europe
Ireland's hydrogen production potential is much larger than the expected domestic demand
Minister O'Brien and Minister of State Dooley have published the 'Exporting Hydrogen from Ireland' study – marking an important step in delivering on the actions set out in the National Hydrogen Strategy, moving Ireland close toward a zero-carbon future.
In April 2025, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment commissioned ARUP to conduct a study to assess the potential for connecting future Irish hydrogen infrastructure with continental Europe, delivering on Action 8 of the National Hydrogen Strategy.
Ireland's hydrogen production potential is much larger than the expected domestic demand, while other EU counties have significant hydrogen needs in hard-to-decarbonise sectors. This study explores the potential to export hydrogen from Ireland, to help de-risk the development of the hydrogen economy in Ireland and unlock untapped economic benefits.
The Exporting Hydrogen from Ireland study explores the demand for hydrogen, domestically and in key markets in Europe, and includes high-level technical and commercial reviews of export transit routes, such as repurposing existing pipelines, new pipelines, and non-pipeline transport (that is, shipping).
The study provides practical, technical and commercial information to assist future hydrogen policy development. It provides an evidence base to inform the theoretical potential for exporting hydrogen to continental Europe.
Minister O'Brien said:
"Hydrogen represents a transformative opportunity for Ireland – not only to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors across the country and enhance our energy security, but also to unlock new economic potential through the export of hydrogen to European markets when we are producing this important clean energy source at scale. The publication of this report is a clear signal of our commitment to delivering on the National Hydrogen Strategy – turning strategy into delivery, and positioning Ireland as a leader in renewable hydrogen."
Minister of State Dooley said:
"This report establishes a foundation for future work, which the recently appointed Hydrogen Taskforce will advance by considering its recommendations, including the need for further technical and economic analysis – to unlock Ireland’s green hydrogen potential and inform strategic choices on export and domestic integration."
To view the report, please visit the department's website.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published in July 2023, sets out 21 actions to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. This report is in response to Action 8 which aims to assess the feasible potential end-uses for renewable hydrogen produced in Ireland, including the export of hydrogen and its derivates. This report explores the potential of hydrogen exports only.
The Hydrogen Taskforce, launched in July 2025, will oversee the implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy, and coordinate delivery of the strategic actions aimed at developing a robust indigenous hydrogen sector.
The National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce, supported by a dedicated Programme Office, will bring together government departments, industry leaders, and research institutions to drive innovation, infrastructure development, and policy alignment across the hydrogen value chain.