Under the motto “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” Cyprus is developing its 2026 EU Council Presidency with a strong focus on strategic autonomy across transport, telecommunications, and energy. With new momentum behind hydrogen, electrification, and cross-border connectivity, the Presidency is positioning the EU to respond more decisively to geopolitical uncertainty while advancing competitiveness and resilience. As attention gradually shifts toward Ireland’s upcoming Presidency, how will these priorities evolve and translate into long-term action?

Ireland is set to take on a key leadership role in shaping European policy as it prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December. 2026 will mark Ireland’s eighth time holding the Presidency, underscoring its active engagement with the European Union and its role in advancing cooperation among the EU. 

Shane Grogan of SH2AMROCKs partner Bord na Mona did an interview for the Irish National Broadcaster in which he explained how their projects plans to deploy hydrogen generated from wind power in public transport and industrial applications. He also mentioned Sh2AMROCK near the end of the broadcast. Youcan listen to the interview here Shane Grogan, Anailísí Tráchtála le Bord na Móna. – Adhmhaidin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVdRiXWNXuE Hydrogen is gaining momentum in Europe as a potential strategic energy carrier, and Ireland is stepping into the spotlight with its first hydrogen valley initiative – SH2AMROCK. In this episode of The EPRI Current, host Samantha Gilman speaks with Rory Monaghan from the University of Galway, Conor O’Dowd from the Port of Galway, and Maria Jaen from EPRI to discuss the vision behind SH2AMROCK and its role in reshaping Ireland’s energy landscape. The SH2AMROCK Project brings together public and private collaborators to deploy green hydrogen as part of the EU Horizon program for research and innovation. From digital twins to startup hubs, experts explore how hydrogen valleys can drive regional decarbonization and energy innovation. Learn how Galway’s unique geography, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and strong offshore wind potential make it an ideal launchpad for hydrogen infrastructure.

The World Hydrogen Technology Conference this year took place in Dublin at a particularly moment in Irish rush to clean energy and transport systems. Blue-tied Timmy Dooley, Irish Minister of State announced the long- awaited National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce, to push the Irish National Hydrogen Strategy, developed in 2023, to completion. Rory Monaghan, professor of Mechanical Engineering at Galway University (NUIG) and teaching at the the newly-created Energy Systems Engineering Degree and Masters programmes at NUIG, coordinator of the SH2AMROCK Hydrogen Valley project, sporting a blue tie as well, detailed the various concrete hydrogen production, distribution and application activities that SH2AMROCK will undertake in over three years, becoming first H2 Hub in Ireland. To ensure a coordinated cross-departmental approach to the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland, the Taskforce will: 1. Develop the necessary legislation, regulatory and safety frameworks which could enable early hydrogen projects to progress; 2. Enhance knowledge, explore opportunities and provide further clarity on the role that hydrogen is likely to play in a future decarbonised integrated net zero energy system; 3. Put in place the necessary policies and frameworks to deliver:a) An early hydrogen innovation fund by 2027.b) Hydrogen end-uses in transport by 2030 in line with EU RED III requirements.c) Potential routes to market for up to 2 GW hydrogen production from offshore wind, to be in development by 2030. Especially sub action 12.1 of the Taskforce’s National Hydrogen Programme Implementation Plan, coordinated by Gas Networks Ireland, on an Agreement on Supply /Demand scenario’s out to 2050, completed end of December 2025, ties into SH2AMROCK’s ambition to create sustainable hydrogen use cases and business plans…..

The EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), requires that 42% of hydrogen used in industry be sourced from renewables by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2035, with renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) accounting for at least 1% of transport sector energy. Member States had to transpose the directive by May 21, 2025. Under RED III, which entered into force in November 2023, Ireland must increase the share of renewable energy in heating and cooling by at least 0.8 pp and 1.1 pp as annual averages for the periods 2021-2025 and 2026-2030, and to speed up the permitting processes for renewable energy projects by 1 July 2024. Ireland has not implemented the provisions yet, and the EU has issued a formal notice against Ireland. Although on May 28, 2025 an analysis of member states’ energy and climate plans for the coming years, pointed to 54 percent emission reductions by 2030 compared to 1990, very close to its 55 percent target, the RED III targets still seem to be crucial for reaching EU’s emission reduction goals. The EU Commission therefor announced that it will start to take infringement action against EU member states that have not fully implemented the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). Triggered by slowing investment decisions and still high H2 costs, estimated at EU R8.13/kg ($9.31/kg) as of June 5, although down from a peak of EUR14.50/kg ($16.62/kg) in mid-December, also the hydrogen sector could potentially benefit from an accelerated implementation of REDIII. Only Romania and Czechia have fully transposed RED III quotas for both transport and industrial hydrogen use, with consultations ongoing in other member states, including the Netherlands and Germany. The Commission already initiated infringement packages against eight countries beginning 2025 for missing mid-2024 permitting deadlines, including Bulgaria, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Slovakia, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The US City of Lancaster in California on December 14, 2024 announced an interesting initiative as a complement to H2 Auctions, the First Public Hydrogen (FPH2); a public renewable hydrogen utility. FPH2 is designed to transform the renewable hydrogen market by connecting producers with reliable off-takers through a seamless, transparent process. FPH2 is a joint powers authority (JPA) between the City of Lancaster and the City of Industry in California. Addressing the disconnect between large off-takers of renewable hydrogen, interested in a smooth purchasing process, and producers that need to confront significant investment challenges, FPH2 aims to bridge this gap, fostering collaboration to drive hydrogen market development and growth. On May 7, 2025 Rowland Water District (RWD) joined FPH2 as its first member, marking a key milestone in the development of the United States’ first public hydrogen utility. Based in southeast Los Angeles County, Rowland Water District serves more than 55,000 residents across five cities and unincorporated communities.  “Joining First Public Hydrogen reflects our commitment to innovation and resource stewardship,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “As a public agency, we have a responsibility to explore solutions that protect our environment while maintaining reliable service for our customers. This partnership allows us to play a meaningful role in shaping California’s clean energy future—while continuing to put the needs of our community first.”  As a member of FPH2, RWD will gain access to shared procurement tools, technical expertise, and a transparent platform that connects public agencies with green hydrogen producers. The District will also help pilot early-stage hydrogen applications suited for public sector systems, from vehicle fleets to energy backup systems. The public utility will work to connect renewable hydrogen producers, including those producing through solar energy, wind energy, and renewable natural gas, with confirmed and reliable buyers that have plans to leverage renewable hydrogen’s decarbonization potential across several industries, including shipping and ports, transportation, and the power sector. Photo : Courtesy Chevron, hydrogen station Oakland

The German transmission system operator Open Grid Europe GmbH (OGE) on March 22, 2025 announced the construction of the Nordsee-Ruhr-Links I (NRL I) from Wilhelmshaven to Dykhausen by the end of 2027. The 21 km long pipeline also with a 1,4m diameter, and 100 bar pressure is part of the hydrogen core grid approved by the German government and the Federal Network Agency. In order to enter into a dialog with the region at an early stage, OGE held a meeting for property owners and a “dialog market” in Jever where they were able to find out about the project and the first planned route was that will be finalized with the planning approval decision. NRL I is part of the Nordsee-Ruhr-Link, which connects the north with the west of Germany via the Wilhelmshaven coastline (WKL), starting at the gas pressure control and measuring station in Wilhelmshaven (Voslapper Groden) and connects to the WKL, which is being built at the same time. NRL I will be runing parallel to the Wilhelmshavener Anbindungsleitung (WAL) for natural gas, which OGE built in 2022 on behalf of the German government to secure the natural gas supply. Converting natural gas pipelines to hydrogen would reduce the impact on surrounding communities significantly. For example, GASCADE Gastransport GmbH filled a first pipeline section with hydrogenon March 3, 2025, as part of the German “Flow – making hydrogen happen” program, converting the existing natural gas infrastructure to hydrogen. By the end of 2025, a total of around 400 kilometers of pipeline, part of the German north-south hydrogen axis and with a diameter of 1.4 meters, will be ready avoiding lenghty regulatory amd construction processes. Photo: Courtesy GASCADE Gastransport GmbH

Energy Policy Answering questions of deputy Darren O’Rourke during the Energy debate, in the Irish Parliament, Dáil Éireann , on 20 February 2025, the Irish minsiter of Environment Climate and Communications, Alan Dillon, referred to the three primary strategic reasons for developing an indigenous hydrogen sector in Ireland are to decarbonise the economy, enhance energy security, and create industrial and export market opportunities. There are 21 actions set out within the Irish National Hydrogen Strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. These actions aim to remove barriers to early hydrogen project developments and to enhance our knowledge through targeted research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, laying the groundwork to deliver on our long-term strategic vision. These actions have varying timelines for completion by 2030 and work has started on a number of them. These include identifying the amount of surplus renewable energy that will be available for hydrogen production, putting in place the legal and regulatory framework for this new industry, and examining the feasibility of exporting hydrogen. The minister mentioned that they are currently finalising a detailed implementation plan for the multi-year work programme set out in the strategy to ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of the actions set out within the strategy. Implementation will involve a number of Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and other stakeholders. Careful planning and management structures are essential. Once completed, further clarity on the status of all actions set out within the strategy and the annual work programmes to deliver on these will be communicated. It is expected that the detailed implementation plan will be finalised in quarter 2 of 2025.

The International Energy Agency IEA updated its annual Global Hydrogen Outlook in October 2024. See the laterst version here. In the latest update, Irish hydrogen potential demand for 2050 is estimated to be 0.6-2.2 Mtpa with the bulk (between 35% and 65%) coming from aviation (for electro-sustainable aviation fuel [e-SAF]).