Lobby group Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) has published a report suggesting 10,000 jobs could be created in Ireland by 2050 by the development of a domestic hydrogen fuel industry, which could in turn add over €2bn to gross domestic product.
HMI said the publication followed the Irish coalition government, which includes the Green Party, opening a public consultation on a national strategy for green hydrogen.
The government is to publish its blueprint later in 2023. Ireland will be required by the European Union to build a network of hydrogen fuel stations, though the technology remains in its infancy and faces considerable research and development-related hurdles.
"In the context of ambitious sustainability targets outlined in both the Climate Action Plan 2021, and the EU’s Fit-for-55 package, and in light of geopolitical considerations, the need to diversify and secure Ireland’s energy supply has never been more apparent," said Jonathan Hogan, business manager at Hydrogen Mobility Ireland.
“Moving to cleaner and greener technologies is critical if we are to reduce the carbon footprint of our public transport system and examining all available technologies is essential," said Eamon Ryan, Ireland's transport minister and leader of the Green Party.