Gas Networks Ireland and the Corrib Joint Venture of Nephin Energy and Vermilion Energy (the Corrib JV) have signed a strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) to progress a green hydrogen pilot project at the Bellanaboy Bridge Gas terminal in Mayo.
The pilot project will assess the potential to produce green hydrogen using renewable electricity and Corrib’s existing energy infrastructure.
Under the SCA, Gas Networks Ireland will collaborate with the Corrib JV on feasibility studies and technical assessments, building on County Mayo’s strong wind resource and Bellanaboy’s existing connection to the national gas transmission network.
The project forms part of the Corrib JV’s Atlantic Energy@Corrib initiative, which is evaluating a range of long-term energy opportunities for the site.
Based on initial assessments, industrial-scale green hydrogen production has emerged as a leading contender, given the Site’s unique combination of location, existing infrastructure and renewable energy potential.
Repurposing the Corrib infrastructure could support high-value regional employment, develop specialist skills and attract innovation-led investment in the west of Ireland, reinforcing Mayo’s position as a hub for emerging clean energy technologies.
Collaborations and pilot projects such as this align with the government’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which recognises green hydrogen as a key enabler of Ireland’s transition to a climate-neutral economy.
Green hydrogen could support Ireland in meeting its 2050 net-zero emissions targets, strengthen energy security and supply diversification, provide a pathway to greater energy independence, and in time, help establish a new clean energy export market.
With its infrastructure, connectivity and renewable energy potential, Corrib is uniquely positioned to become one of Ireland’s leading hydrogen hubs.
Jarlath Trench, managing director of Vermilion in Ireland, said: “The project builds on Vermilion’s long-standing relationship with Gas Networks Ireland and the shared track record of working together on Ireland’s energy infrastructure.
“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.”
Nephin Energy Group chief executive Tom O’Brien welcomed the pilot as the company’s second initiative aligned with technologies supported under the EU Net-Zero Industry Act, following its collaboration with Gas Networks Ireland on biomethane last year.
He said: “Through our Nephin Renewable Gas business, we have delivered meaningful progress in biomethane development in Mayo and beyond, demonstrating the role indigenous renewable gases can play in Ireland’s energy transition.
“We are now extending that momentum into green hydrogen at Corrib, which has the potential to develop into one of Ireland’s key hydrogen hubs by leveraging its existing infrastructure and strong renewable energy resources.”
David Kelly, chief executive officer, Gas Networks Ireland, said the SCA reflects their commitment to exploring how renewable gases could play a role in Ireland’s energy future.
“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.
“This collaboration will support that learning process, contribute to our wider hydrogen initiatives, and help inform future network transition planning.”
