The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) sees Ireland as a promising location for the production and export of green hydrogen. In the HYreland project, researchers, together with the Irish energy company Electricity Supply Board (ESB), examined the technological, economic, and ecological potential for green hydrogen and its synthesis products on the island. Considered were liquid hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and Fischer-Tropsch products like e-kerosene (SAF).
Pipeline export most cost-effective
According to the study, Ireland's production costs are on a comparable level with other potential export countries like Morocco, South Africa, or Brazil, or only slightly above. "A whole range of other aspects speak for the location Ireland," explains project leader Christoph Hank from Fraunhofer ISE. The state is advancing the expansion of renewable energies, especially offshore wind power. According to the institute, the background is a potential increase in electricity demand by 30 percent by 2030 due to the operation of data centers. As an island state, Ireland must also buffer fluctuating generation within its own country—for which hydrogen production offers itself as a flexible electricity consumer.
The proximity to the European mainland makes Ireland a promising candidate for export to Germany, according to Fraunhofer ISE. The researchers identified pipeline transport of hydrogen to Stade and Rotterdam as the most cost-effective option. Via this route, provided hydrogen would cost between 160 and 205 euros per megawatt-hour. Transport and delivery costs to Duisburg by ship or pipeline were also calculated.
Location analysis identifies urban areas
In a GIS-based analysis, researchers identified several regions with well-developed power grids, high wind power potential, and potential local consumers: the region around Cork in the south, the southeast of Waterford, the northeast of Wicklow, Dublin, the region around Moneypoint Generating Station on the west coast, as well as central and north Limerick. The economic viability of the ESB pre-selected sites Aghada Generating Station (south coast) and Moneypoint Generating Station (west coast) was examined by researchers using the H2ProSim simulation tool developed at Fraunhofer ISE.
According to researchers, the Aghada site in County Cork is particularly suitable for Power-to-X projects. Thanks to its proximity to potential consumers such as the Aghada power plant, the Whitegate refinery, and Cork airport, as well as export opportunities via a future pipeline or by ship from Cork harbor, the region is promising for the production of sustainable aviation fuels. The nearby Midleton distillery also offers a source for biobased CO₂. "At all locations, it is important that local consumers for hydrogen and its derivatives are available. These can be refineries, power plants, or operators of local hydrogen filling stations," explains Lucas Edenhofer, GIS analysis expert at Fraunhofer ISE.
Awards for HYreland
The project was awarded the first-ever German-Irish Business Award on November 7, 2025. Additionally, HYreland is accredited for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The detailed results will be presented by the project partners on May 20, 2026, at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.
