Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the efforts being made at European level to reduce dependency on Russian oil and gas; and the role Ireland is playing in the matter. [16097/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The European Council conclusions of 24-25 March 2022 set out that the European Union will phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible (as set out in the Versailles Declaration) and that the European Commission will develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan, on a phased basis, by end of May 2022. In the immediate term, Ireland is  continuing to monitor international energy (gas and oil) markets and to consult with its EU and international partners on appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission is engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.

This crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030.

In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. This review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks.

Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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188. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to support research into development of a green hydrogen economy and other energy storage technologies, which will support the Government ambition in and the acceleration of offshore wind energy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12864/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Climate Action Plan 2021 establishes a target to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2021 identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. The Plan contains a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors and includes: - testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;

- assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen;

- progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.

In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The 2021 SEAI National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme Call included a number of projects relating to green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind foundations coupled with hydrogen storage. The SEAI's National Heat Study, published in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen. 

My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. I expect this strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.