21st September 2026 |
Research and Analysis
The Sectoral Analysis of Future Hydrogen Demand and End Use in Ireland identifies key hydrogen demand sectors and estimates the scale and timelines for development of a future hydrogen industry in Ireland.
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) in July 2023, sets out the strategic vision for the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system, looking to its long-term role as a key component of a zero-carbon economy, including the development of green industrial development opportunities. Key to unlocking this potential is Ireland’s world-class wind resource, especially offshore, which can enable large-scale renewable hydrogen production, improve energy security and support new green industries.
In recognition of this, Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, published by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) in March 2024, acknowledged the industrial development opportunities related to green hydrogen.
DETE leads on work to identify the economic development opportunities associated with hydrogen as part of the department’s work under the National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce, led by DCEE. As part of this role, DETE led an action to undertake a broad sectoral analysis across the primary areas of economic activity where there is likely to be a future demand for green hydrogen.
The Sectoral Analysis of Future Hydrogen Demand and End Use in Ireland, completed by HyEnergy Consultancy on behalf of DETE in January 2026, assesses the role for hydrogen in a zero emissions economy. The report outlines that hydrogen is expected to play a strategic but targeted role in Ireland’s transition to a zero emissions economy. While electrification and energy efficiency will cut most emissions, several hard to abate sectors - notably power system balancing, clean fuels for aviation and maritime transport, high temperature industry, and heavy duty mobility - require complementary solutions such as hydrogen.
Overall, the sectoral analysis notes that, in combination with large-scale electrification and renewables, renewable hydrogen could be indispensable for Ireland’s path to climate neutrality. Early, coordinated and committed action unlocks major opportunities: energy security, reduced dependence on volatile imports, and the emergence of world-class sectors such as clean aviation fuels, e-fuels and hydrogen-enabled industries. Delays, conversely, risk locking Ireland into higher emissions and missed economic potential.
Topics:
The Business Environment, Offshore Wind Energy