National Gas in the UK and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) have just taken a big step toward greener, cross-border energy. On June 16, 2025, the two gas network operators signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the wheels in motion for a possible pipeline built to carry 100% hydrogen between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Hydrogen Pipeline on the Horizon
This agreement paves the way for detailed studies into what it would take to build or repurpose a hydrogen interconnector linking both countries. While the exact route is still up in the air, the mission is clear: speed up industrial decarbonization by enabling cross-border trade of green hydrogen and biomethane.
If all goes smoothly, the pipeline would transport hydrogen produced through electrolysis—powered mainly by Ireland’s offshore wind—and deliver it safely across borders through a pipeline designed specifically for pure hydrogen, meeting the highest safety standards.
Why Now?
- Both nations are chasing net-zero targets—the UK is legally bound under national law, while Ireland is taking action through its Climate Action Plan and Europe’s Fit for 55 initiative.
- Hydrogen is becoming a central piece in energy strategies—not just for cleaner energy, but for energy security too.
- Biomethane is already making an impact—it’s cutting emissions today and, unlike hydrogen, it’s already compatible with the current gas grid.
This new collaboration builds on a long history of UK-Ireland energy cooperation—like the interconnectors already buzzing with natural gas and electricity between them. But this project? It’s taking things up a serious notch.
Strategic Momentum for Renewables Integration
And it’s not just about the pipeline. The partnership will also zero in on:
- Sharing know-how and data to improve operations
- Getting hydrogen and biomethane to work seamlessly within both networks
- Driving joint innovation projects to get infrastructure ready for what’s coming
This aligns perfectly with Ireland’s plan to harness its massive wind potential and turn it into large-scale green hydrogen production—fueling its clean-tech future and supercharging its export potential. For the UK, it’s another step toward hitting its 2050 net-zero goals and positioning itself as a leader in the hydrogen economy.
Economic and Infrastructure Upside
Should this hydrogen interconnector go from idea to reality, it could create a ripple effect of benefits. Think jobs—not just in digging trenches for pipelines but also in setting up electrolysis systems and certifying renewable gases. Heavy industries on both sides of the Irish Sea could tap into a steady, shared supply of clean fuel. And in the meantime, biomethane continues doing the heavy lifting using the infrastructure we’ve already got, buying us time to scale up hydrogen.
That said, challenges are definitely ahead. Converting pipelines for hydrogen isn’t simple—there are serious technical and safety standards to meet. Plus, the market’s still figuring itself out. Everything from hydrogen purity to international certification rules will need alignment. The MoU doesn’t ignore these hurdles—it commits both countries to sorting them out through open discussions with all the right stakeholders onboard.
Not the First. But the First of Its Kind.
Energy links between the UK and Ireland aren’t new—but this one’s different. We’re not talking about mixing a dash of hydrogen into existing lines. This is about creating infrastructure from the ground up that’s built for 100% hydrogen. It marks the beginning of serious cross-border hydrogen logistics—and possibly a whole new regional clean energy economy.
We’re still in the early days—there are no firm investment numbers or construction start dates yet. But the long-term vision is clear: to connect two nations through a hydrogen corridor that could be a game-changer for sustainable energy in the region and beyond.
What Happens Next?
Now comes the hard part. Both companies will dive into technical and commercial studies—things like delivery models, infrastructure costs, and market demand across sectors. Aligning regulations, especially with how the EU is shaping hydrogen standards, will be another big task. Stakeholder engagement is going to be key here, and both firms are actively opening the floor to industry players, regulators, universities, and investors.
About the Companies
National Gas manages the UK’s national gas transmission network spread across nearly 8,000 km. They’ve been running hydrogen trial projects, testing ways to adapt their network, and helping plan what a future hydrogen infrastructure could look like across the UK.
Gas Networks Ireland oversees the Republic of Ireland’s gas network and plays a vital role in executing national energy policy—especially when it comes to bringing biomethane onto the grid and piloting hydrogen projects. Their big picture? An Irish gas system that’s fossil-free and built for the hydrogen era.
Final Thoughts
This agreement might just be ink on paper for now, but it’s got real momentum behind it. We’re seeing a shift: hydrogen infrastructure is moving from the drawing board into real project pipelines. Whether or not a full-blown interconnector happens will depend on demand, funding, and technical feasibility. But one thing’s becoming crystal clear—governments on both sides are no longer treating hydrogen like a nice-to-have for domestic policy. They see it as a vital part of tomorrow’s internationally connected sustainable energy system.
