Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 23 March 2023

Public Accounts Committee

2021 Financial Statements of Enterprise Ireland: Discussion

9:30 am

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I would not agree with that assertion. Green hydrogen is not based on offshore wind. There is huge viability in onshore wind. The wind speeds in my county of Mayo are some of the best in Europe. The cost associated with offshore wind, especially in the west where it will be floating, is prohibitive. Two companies, Shell and Equinor, removed themselves from committed offshore projects. There has been disappointment in respect of the offshore sector and confidence within the market. I invite Mr. Clancy to expand on this matter. There are indigenous Irish companies that want to provide a service in this space but feel there is too much regulation and bureaucracy. They are finding it difficult. It is not fair to say that green hydrogen will be specifically dependent on offshore wind.