Hydrogen Mobility Ireland Releases Three Briefing Papers

Detailed research released by Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) on 16th December 2024 demonstrates how Ireland can deploy hydrogen to create hundreds of new jobs, cut carbon emissions, boost economic growth and achieve energy security in transport, but only if the next Government steps up to the plate and implements EU mandates for the use of hydrogen in mobility.

The three-part report commissioned by HMI, the leading representative body for the hydrogen mobility sector, asserts that Ireland can take crucial steps to cut carbon emissions in hard-to-abate transport sectors like road and rail, maritime and aviation within a ten-year timeframe. The group has set out its plan over this period (2025-2035) to commence the decarbonisation of the national fleet; including heavy duty trucks and buses, shipping, and aviation.

The research finds that phasing in hydrogen in the road, rail, aviation and maritime sectors will:

  • Attract €6 billion worth of investment;
  • Cut carbon transport emissions by 260,000 tonnes a year;
  • Create 640 new long-term jobs, generating many more in related sectors, and help to support existing jobs in the energy sector;
  • Develop homegrown expertise for export, and opportunities for inward investment.

The report also demonstrates how Ireland can unlock millions of euros in potential EU funding to grow an indigenous hydrogen fuel industry, but is missing out due to a lack of commitments on matching funding and supportive policy from the Government. HMI has previously highlighted Ireland’s infrastructure gap compared to neighbouring countries; there is currently only one hydrogen refuelling station located on the island of Ireland, and just 3% of all newly registered heavy-duty vehicles in Ireland are alternatively-fuelled

Other EU countries have announced substantial investments in clean hydrogen, with Germany allocating over €14bn of funding, followed by the Netherlands with €10bn, and France with €6bn. Crucially, the membership which comprise Hydrogen Mobility Ireland are ready and willing to initiate the projects required to develop a hydrogen mobility industry within Ireland, scaling up projects from temporary demonstrations to full-scale commercial projects.

Chair of Hydrogen Mobility Ireland Des Phelan said “The research released today highlights the significant opportunity that hydrogen presents for Ireland, not just in reducing carbon emissions, but also in creating hundreds of new jobs, attracting crucial investment, and strengthening our energy security.

However, for this potential to be fully realised, it is imperative that the next Government prioritises the implementation of policies creating demand for hydrogen and e-fuels. Other European nations are already investing heavily in hydrogen, and Ireland must act swiftly to ensure we do not miss out on these transformative opportunities.

Our industry is ready to deliver, but we need the Government to match our commitment with clear policies and funding to turn these plans into reality.”

Links to the three briefing papers:

The Need For and Vision Of Hydrogen Mobility in Ireland

Collective Ambitions of HMI Members

Policy Support Required in Ireland

HMI members are a powerhouse of Irish industrial players, amongst the few able to deploy infrastructure at national scale. All HMI members need is a starting signal from Government to begin building Ireland’s clean energy industry- avoiding any further delay to achieving decarbonisation targets and significant economic benefits.