International agreement signed
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed which will enable Ireland to maximise its use of offshore wind as a source of energy.
The partnership between green hydrogen company EIH2, the Port of Cork and the Port of Amsterdam will provide an alternative route to market for renewable electricity.
This partnership, which was signed last Tuesday week, will help to enable the establishment of a supply chain for green hydrogen between Ireland and Europe via the port of Amsterdam.
The MOU formed part of a major offshore wind mission held in Cork and organised by the Netherlands Embassy in Ireland which ran from 11-14 September. The purpose of the mission was to increase collaboration on the energy transition between Ireland and The Netherlands.
Pearse Flynn, EIH2’s Founder, said: “Our goal at EIH2 is to help both Ireland and Europe achieve their ambitious energy targets. The recent RePowerEU plan quadruples the role for green hydrogen in Europe. This was reflected in Ireland’s recent carbon budgets, with an additional 2GW of offshore wind planned specifically for green hydrogen production. This partnership is the beginning of a supply chain for green hydrogen from Ireland where there is a lot of wind but not a lot of hydrogen demand to Europe where the situation is reversed.”
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Cork Company said: “At the Port of Cork Company, we see significant opportunities for Cork Harbour to become a hub for renewable energy, which will benefit the environment, local businesses and create employment in the region. We hope to utilise our facilities at this strategic location, working together with like-minded partners to support the development of renewable energy opportunities.”
Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen, Director Business Development Cargo of Port of Amsterdam said: “The developments in the south of Ireland and the technical proficiency of Irish parties, mean the country will be well positioned for the future export of this new energy source. The port of Amsterdam will offer a route to market for Irish green hydrogen, both in our port itself, and in the rest of Europe.”
Cork Chamber welcomed the partnership with its Director of Public Affairs & Sustainability Rory Kelleher saying it was a key step to building Cork’s green energy export potential to the Netherlands and eventually to the EU through the hydrogen backbone.
"There are massive opportunities for Cork to produce and export green hydrogen through our wind resources to provide a stable and predictable pipeline of energy,” he said.