Indaver is ready to contribute to a new hydrogen economy
Hydrogen produced from indigenous resources, such as waste, also offers an opportunity for energy independence and security, which have become critical due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With planning permission for a 10MW hydrogen electrolyser, Indaver is getting ready to enter the hydrogen market.
The recovery of black-bin waste that cannot be reused or recycled to produce energy in the form of electricity is not a new concept. What is new is the contribution waste-to-energy can make to a transition to a hydrogen economy and the decarbonisation of the energy system.
Hydrogen can decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors and improve security of supply by being a vector for energy storage. There are a range of potential end uses for this hydrogen; injection into the gas grid, use as a fuel for planes, trains, and automobiles, as well as the power and industrial sector. Like any new market, the right signals are critical to kick start it.
The EU is driving forward the energy transition to become climate neutral by 2050 and green hydrogen is an important part of this. The European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and recently published acts supplementing the Renewable Energy Directive all feature hydrogen, outlining targets and support for member states to implement.
Until now, the development of Irish hydrogen policy has focused on Climate Action Plan targets, developing supports such as the Biofuel Obligation Scheme and the Shared Island Initiative. Like other jurisdictions, Ireland must develop an overarching national strategy and other policy mechanisms to develop a hydrogen economy. A consultation process on a national hydrogen strategy took place during 2022. This provided an indication of the Irish Government’s trajectory and it would appear that policymakers are open-minded.
Resilient policy will be essential in working towards Ireland’s 2GW target of renewable hydrogen and greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 51 per cent by 2030.
Indaver is committed to investing in the necessary infrastructure to contribute to Ireland’s hydrogen economy. However, the right policy mechanisms must be in place in order to realise this potential.
The eagerly anticipated national hydrogen strategy must balance clear targets, for both the long- and short-term future of this fuel, with tangible government support to make them a reality.
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