ireland

Industrial 'next step' for developer EI-H2's megaproject, with Zenith Energy signing up to develop site in Bantry Bay next to existing oil terminal

Irish clean-energy developer EI-H2 has unveiled plans to build a vast 3.2GW green hydrogen and ammonia generation plant powered by future offshore wind farms off the west coast of country.

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EI-H2 and Zenith Energy have kicked off a year-long feasibility study in advance of an application for planning permission, with the new facility, to be located next to the Bantry Bay oil terminal in County Cork, in the frame to up and running by 2028.

The new plant could reduce local gas emissions by 2.4 million tonnes a year, equal to the CO₂ currently produced to power a quarter of all Irish homes.

“This partnership is an excellent opportunity for our Bantry operations, for the local community and for Ireland as a country,” said Ellen Ruhotas, managing director of Zenith Energy.

“For many years now, our operation on Whiddy Island [a small outcrop on which the Banty Bay oil storage tanks are installed] has supported the security of Ireland’s energy supply. This new joint venture will see [us] take a pioneering role in the development of a new green energy industry for Ireland.

“With a renewable source of offshore wind and water, we can produce real fuel alternatives to help industry and commercial customers reduce their carbon footprint.

“Ireland needs to think big to realise its green potential, and this project is of the scale required to develop this new industry.”

Pearse Flynn, founder of EI-H2, said: “Ireland is on the cusp of a genuine green revolution. Instead of waiting for someone else to decarbonise our country, we are looking to develop domestic ways of making a real difference.