Green Hydrogen from Ireland for Germany – HYreland Study Sees Strong Export Potential for European Supply Chains

Dublin (Ireland) / Berlin (Germany) – Ireland could develop into an important European production and export hub for green hydrogen in the coming years. This is shown by the latest analysis of the HYreland project, which was conducted by the Fraunhofer ISE together with the Irish energy utility ESB.

The study examines the technical, economic, and infrastructure requirements for a large-scale hydrogen economy on the island. It also focuses on the extent to which Ireland could contribute to supplying the European market – and Germany in particular – with hydrogen in the future.

Fraunhofer site analysis: strong wind potential and industrial infrastructure – focus on Cork and the west coast

Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE conclude that Ireland offers a particularly favorable combination of high offshore wind potential, existing energy infrastructure, and politically supported expansion of renewable energy.

At the same time, the island’s geographic situation poses specific challenges for the energy system: integrating fluctuating renewable generation requires flexible consumers. Hydrogen production can serve as a storage and balancing option for surplus wind power.

The Fraunhofer ISE site analysis identifies several regions with strong potential, including areas around Cork, Dublin, and the west coast near Moneypoint.

The Aghada site in County Cork is considered particularly suitable. There, energy infrastructure, industrial consumers such as refineries and airports, and export opportunities via the Port of Cork converge. The use of biogenic CO₂ sources also enables the production of synthetic fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Export pipeline for hydrogen as a key route toward Germany

For exports to the European mainland, Fraunhofer ISE examined various transport options, including shipping and pipeline connections to Rotterdam and northern Germany.

The results show that pipeline transport is the most cost-effective option. Total costs for imported hydrogen into Germany range, depending on the scenario, between around €160 and €205 per megawatt-hour.

This could position Ireland in the long term as a relatively close and strategically relevant supplier for Germany’s hydrogen demand.

Competitiveness: more than a question of cost

In international comparison with countries such as Morocco, South Africa, or Brazil, Ireland is roughly at a similar cost level or slightly higher in terms of pure production costs. However, according to Fraunhofer ISE, structural location factors are decisive.

These include the expansion of offshore wind energy, stable regulatory and financial frameworks, a skilled workforce, and industrial experience in plant operation. These factors can significantly enhance competitiveness despite moderate cost disadvantages.

Industrial clusters and synthetic energy carriers as building blocks

The study also shows that integrated industrial clusters could play a central role. In such clusters, hydrogen production, industrial use, and export infrastructure are geographically bundled.

In addition to hydrogen itself, derivatives such as ammonia, methanol, dimethyl ether, and e-kerosene (SAF) are also in focus – as important energy carriers for industry, shipping, and aviation.

Outlook: Ireland as a component of German hydrogen imports

The HYreland project has already received several awards and will present its results at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.

Ireland is thus becoming more prominent within the European hydrogen strategy. For Germany, this could create an additional import source for climate-neutral energy carriers – complementing existing international supply chains and key import corridors in Northwestern Europe.

Source: IWR Online, 19 May 2026