The project will involve key stakeholders in a detailed feasibility study to explore the full potential of the project. The facility is expected to use offshore wind power to produce hydrogen. It is hoped that the facility can also produce green ammonia, which can be safely exported by sea from Bantry Bay for the manufacture of fertilizers and fuels. After the new facility is fully operational, it is possible to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions by 2.4 million tons per year, which is equivalent to the carbon emissions of a quarter of Irish households. It will operate together with Zenith Energy's existing Bantry Bay terminal and will become one of the largest terminals of its kind in the world. Bantry Bay was chosen as the location for this scale of facility because it is close to some of the most efficient wind power offshore locations.

The first phase of the project will build an expandable green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of up to 2.7 GW. The second stage involves the construction of a 500 MW green ammonia facility using the green hydrogen from the first stage. Ellen Ruhotas, Managing Director of Zenith Energy, said: "We are delighted to participate in this exciting new joint venture. This partnership is a great opportunity for our Bantry business, the local community and Ireland." For many years, our Whitty Island business has supported the security of Ireland's energy supply. This new joint venture will enable Zenith Energy to play a pioneering role in the development of a new green energy industry in Ireland. Crucially, our green hydrogen and green ammonia production plans are in line with the government and the European Union’s policies to achieve the region’s 2050 climate action goals.

EL-H2 founder Pearse Flynn said: "Ireland is on the cusp of a real green revolution. We are not waiting for others to decarbonize our country, but are looking for ways to develop domestically to make a real impact. With the help of renewable With offshore wind and water sources, we can produce real fuel alternatives to help industrial and commercial customers reduce their carbon footprint. Zenith Energy’s expertise and its existing facilities in Bantry Bay provide us with an ideal partner to start this journey Relationship. Ireland needs to think boldly to realize its green potential, and the project has the scale needed to develop this new industry.” said Liam Nolan, Head of Technical Capabilities and Standards at Gas Networks Ireland: “Hydrogen will help achieve Ireland’s climate action goals. Our national natural gas network is considered to be one of the safest and most modern natural gas networks in Europe, reliably meeting more than 30% of Ireland’s total primary energy demand, 40% of heating demand and 50% of electricity generation ."

According to Irish and European policies, the gradual replacement of natural gas with renewable gases, such as locally produced biomethane and hydrogen, is essential to ensure Ireland’s long-term energy security and net zero goals in an affordable and sustainable manner. The National Natural Gas Network is ready to play a role in Ireland’s clean energy future through the transportation and storage of new fuel sources such as hydrogen. Zenith Energy and EI-H2 have started a one-year feasibility study before applying for planning permission. The new facility may be put into operation in 2028, when there will be enough offshore wind power to meet the proposed scale of the project.Editor/Baohongying