Ireland's gas transmission operator has partnered with the Corrib Joint Venture to progress a pilot scheme examining green hydrogen production at the Bellanaboy Bridge facility in County Mayo, targeting use of the site's existing energy assets and regional wind capacity, Fuel Cells Works reports.

The agreement between Gas Networks Ireland, Nephin Energy and Vermilion Energy establishes a framework for feasibility analysis and technical evaluation of hydrogen generation using renewable electricity. Mayo's wind resources and Bellanaboy's direct link to Ireland's gas transmission system provide strategic advantages for the demonstration project.

Hydrogen production represents a priority focus within the Corrib Joint Venture's Atlantic Energy @ Corrib strategy, which examines multiple pathways for the terminal's future beyond natural gas operations. Early assessments identify industrial-scale hydrogen manufacturing as particularly suitable given the location's characteristics and available infrastructure.

Converting the Corrib site could generate skilled employment in western Ireland whilst attracting technology-focused investment and strengthening Mayo's credentials as a clean energy innovation centre. The pilot aligns with Ireland's National Hydrogen Strategy, which positions hydrogen as critical for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

David Kelly, chief executive of Gas Networks Ireland, characterised the arrangement as demonstrating their interest in understanding renewable gas integration. "As Ireland moves towards a net-zero energy system, it is important to understand how the gas network could safely and efficiently accommodate fuels such as green hydrogen," Kelly said.

Jarlath Trench, managing director of Vermilion in Ireland, emphasised partnership importance. "Key strategic partnerships between infrastructure operators and energy producers are essential to responsibly advance green hydrogen production and support Ireland's industrial transition to net zero," Trench said.

Tom O'Brien, Nephin Energy Group chief executive, noted this marks the company's second project involving EU Net-Zero Industry Act technologies following biomethane collaboration.

Review the complete details regarding the Bellanaboy hydrogen pilot in the full report.