Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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57. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will expedite the preparation of a national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61422/21]

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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67. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to develop a hydrogen strategy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61482/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 67 together.

The Climate Action Plan 2021, published last month, identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, in high-temperature heat for industry and in electricity generation. It also sets out how green hydrogen could address some of the challenges faced by the energy sector, such as providing a back-up for intermittent renewables, and key actions including carrying out a work programme to identify a route to deliver one to three TWh of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030.

To help inform national policy development, the SEAI is currently undertaking a National Heat Study, including consideration of the role of green hydrogen, which is expected to be published early next year.

At a European level, the European Commission is proposing a range of changes to European gas markets with a strong focus on hydrogen. This follows on from the hydrogen strategy which they published last year.

My Department continues to work with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to carry out research and develop policies to support the uptake of green hydrogen. I expect a detailed strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.