The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows on from the Irish Government identifying an additional 2GW of offshore wind to be used for green hydrogen production, earlier this year.

It is hoped the partnership will provide a route to market, needed for Ireland to become a net exporter of energy in the future.

H2 View understands the signed MoU forms part of an offshore wind mission in Ireland on 11-14 September 2022, organised by the Netherlands Embassy, which is intended to increase collaboration between Ireland and the Netherlands on the energy transition.

Pearse Flynn, founder of EIH2, 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.

Read more: €200m for hydrogen research in REPowerEU Plan

“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 at the Port of Cork Company, commented, “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 of Business Development Cargo at Port of Amsterdam, added, “Port of Amsterdam is very pleased with the signing of this MoU with such valuable partners. It underlines both the strong ties between Ireland and our port and the increasing importance of green hydrogen.

“For Port of Amsterdam, priorities are to make green hydrogen available to the large industrial clusters in the greater Amsterdam area, as well as to serve as a gateway to the European hinterland, including regions with high potential demand in Germany.

“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.”