Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to identify the research needs of the emerging hydrogen economy, particularly in the area of economic research; if he will support the development of the hydrogen economy in Ireland and in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51680/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Climate Action Plan 2021 contains a suite of actions relating to the role of green hydrogen in the economy as regards 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.

My Department launched a public consultation on a Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland in July 2022. The consultation document included a section on research and development, outlining the significant research already underway concerning hydrogen and its future role in Ireland's energy mix. The following questions were posed in this regard (pages 14 to 17 of the consultation document):

- Which areas of hydrogen research require further examination?

- What can an Irish hydrogen strategy could do to drive innovation?

- What are the research priorities for the development of each hydrogen end-use (demand) in Ireland?

A substantial number of responses to the consultation have been received and analysis is currently underway with a view to finalising the strategy as soon as possible.