Gas Networks Ireland has entered into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with the Corrib Joint Venture—comprising Nephin Energy and Vermilion Energy—to develop a green hydrogen pilot project in County Mayo.

The initiative will be based at the Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal and will investigate the feasibility of producing green hydrogen by utilising renewable electricity alongside existing energy infrastructure.

The pilot is a central element of the "Atlantic Energy @ Corrib" initiative, which explores long-term sustainable opportunities for the site. Due to Bellanaboy's established connection to the national gas transmission network and the region's significant wind energy resources, industrial-scale green hydrogen has been identified as a primary option for the site's future. The project aims to support the government's National Hydrogen Strategy, which views the fuel as a vital component in achieving Ireland's 2050 net-zero targets.

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Beyond environmental benefits, the repurposing of the Corrib infrastructure is expected to maintain high-value regional employment and attract innovation-led investment to the West of Ireland. This project follows previous successful collaborations between the partners, including initiatives in biomethane development.

Jarlath Trench, Managing Director of Vermilion in Ireland, said: "The project builds on Vermilion's long-standing relationship with Gas Networks Ireland and the shared track record of working together on Ireland's energy infrastructure. Key strategic partnerships between infrastructure operators and energy producers are essential to responsibly advance green hydrogen production and support Ireland's industrial transition to net zero."

Nephin Energy Group Chief Executive Tom O'Brien said: "Through our Nephin Renewable Gas business, we have delivered meaningful progress in biomethane development in Mayo and beyond, demonstrating the role indigenous renewable gases can play in Ireland's energy transition. We are now extending that momentum into green hydrogen at Corrib, which has the potential to develop into one of Ireland's key hydrogen hubs by leveraging its existing infrastructure and strong renewable energy resources."

David Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Gas Networks Ireland, said: "As Ireland moves towards a net-zero energy system, it is important to understand how the gas network could safely and efficiently accommodate fuels such as green hydrogen. This collaboration will support that learning process, contribute to our wider hydrogen initiatives, and help inform future network transition planning."