Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With its abundance of renewables, in particular offshore wind, Ireland is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of green hydrogen. Despite this, we do not have a hydrogen strategy. By comparison, the European Commission published its strategy in July 2020 and our neighbours in Scotland published a strategy in 2015. The lack of a strategy jeopardises our ability to make the most of our abundant renewable resources through the creation of a complementary hydrogen network. It also limits our potential to secure funding and be a green hydrogen leader. The coalition Government is behind the curve on offshore renewables. This has to change, and change rapidly. The Bill seeks to ensure the State is prepared to realise the full potential of green hydrogen through the preparation of a national hydrogen strategy and, to this end, includes provision for comprehensive consultation with stakeholders. Along with my colleagues Deputies O’Rourke, Cronin and Guirke, Sinn Féin is happy to introduce the legislation.

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