Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to launch a national strategy regarding clean hydrogen production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government sets out the need for research and development of hydrogen from renewable sources, known as ‘green hydrogen’, for use as a fuel for power generation, manufacturing, energy storage and transport.

In July 2020, the European Commission published a hydrogen strategy for a carbon-neutral Europe. Ireland welcomed the hydrogen strategy, including the need to support the deployment of green hydrogen in line with the Programme for Government. Ireland also supported the publication of the Council Conclusions on a hydrogen market for Europe in October 2020. In the development of these conclusions, Ireland strongly supported the need to focus on green hydrogen.

My Department is working with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to inform Ireland's future policies in relation to hydrogen. Given the potential role of hydrogen across the energy sector, a stand-alone hydrogen strategy may not be the most appropriate way to integrate hydrogen research and development into wider climate and energy policy.

The role of hydrogen, and actions needed for its development, are being considered as part of the development of the next Climate Action Plan which is currently underway.