Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
146. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the extent to which gas storage and/or hydrogen storage at Kinsale Head is being assessed; the status of that assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26920/26]
View answerMy Department currently has no plans or projects to use the Kinsale fields for gas storage. My officials are aware of interest by a number of parties in potentially using Kinsale for natural gas and hydrogen storage. Progressing any such projects would be a matter for the project promoters concerned, including obtaining any necessary consents and permits.
The primary focus of this Government in relation to gas storage is the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve. As part of the review of Energy Security published in November 2023, my Department completed an assessment of gas storage that was location and technology neutral. This assessment, which was published in November 2023, concluded that a floating storage and importation facility known as an FSRU would be the most appropriate gas storage approach. The Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is not intended for commercial use and will be divested when no longer required to secure the Irish energy system.
On the hydrogen side, a number of key work strands are being progressed over the next two years which will build the evidence base for informed policymaking on hydrogen storage in Ireland. Under action 10 under the National Hydrogen Strategy, my Department is working to develop the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks required for the development and operation of geological hydrogen storage facilities.
UCD are currently assessing Ireland’s potential for offshore geological storage under the GeoStorie project. The outputs from this research are expected to include maps and related information for viable offshore geological storage options. The SEAI’s Decarbonised Electricity System Study is assessing which technologies, including hydrogen storage, are needed for a decarbonised electricity system in Ireland by 2050.
