Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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132. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the assessment and ultimate decision on the hydrogen strategy by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52169/21]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the additional work that has took place during 2021 on producing a hydrogen strategy for Ireland; his views on whether the relative inaction on the part of Ireland will result in Ireland not being able to benefit from the economic advantages of hydrogen production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53198/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 156 together.

The Programme for Government recognises the need for research and development of hydrogen from renewable sources, known as ‘green hydrogen’, for use in power generation and as a zero-emission energy source in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as transport and industry.In July 2020, the European Commission published a hydrogen strategy for a carbon-neutral Europe. Ireland supported the hydrogen strategy, including the need to deploy 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.

I can assure the Deputies that work is underway to examine the role of green hydrogen to ensure we realise the benefits it can bring in contributing to our commitment of net zero emissions by 2050. My Department is working with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to inform Ireland's future policies in relation to the production and use of green hydrogen. The role of green hydrogen, and the polices and measures needed for its development, are being considered as part of the development of the 2021 Climate Action Plan.