The world has entered one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory. From geopolitical tensions to supply chain disruptions, the shocks that once seemed temporary are now shaping a new normal. Global energy markets are no longer just cyclical; they are increasingly unpredictable. Against this backdrop, green hydrogen is increasingly being highlighted not just as a clean alternative, but as an energy vector capable of reducing exposure to oil price swings, supporting more resilient transport and energy systems. Hydrogen’s “right cost” is not determined by whether it can undercut oil when markets are quiet. Its value is defined by the local stability it can provide when the world is under strain, when shipping lanes close, prices spike, industries face disruption, and when societies feel the shock of energy insecurity. In this context, hydrogen is not simply an alternative fuel. It is a strategic asset, a source of resilience, autonomy, and continuity.
In Ireland, where reliance on imported fossil fuels remains high, fluctuations in global oil and gas prices continue to affect everything from household energy bills to inflation, rising transport costs, and pressure on businesses. The turmoil generated by the current energy crisis –with fuel price increases of almost 30% for diesel and 25% for petrol since the US and Israel launched the first strikes on Iran- led Ireland to a series of protests and a key vote in the Irish parliament – a confidence motion (or motion of no-confidence). Some 20% of the world’s oil trade, the raw ingredient for producing both petrol and diesel, has been halted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The series of protests started on the 7th of April was developed over demonstrations led by convoys of trucks and tractors and extensive actions in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Belfast and other cities across Ireland. The protesters (farm contractors and transporters) who rely on petrol or diesel vehicles have been blockading infrastructure – including ports, Whitegate refinery, and a series of highways of great circulation. Their discourse focuses on carbon taxes, fuel duties and changes in the way the government is dealing with the crisis. The Irish ministers for health issued a joint statement saying that “the serious risks to patient safety caused by the blockade of fuel supplies [restriction of access to critical fuel] are completely unacceptable“.
The Government has survived a confidence vote following the resignation of Minister Michael Healy-Rae over his handling of recent fuel protests, with the opposition motion failing to pass. Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed he will remain leader of Fianna Fáil into the next general election, stating he intends to “fulfil my mandate” despite internal criticism. Speaking after the vote, Mr Martin also emphasised Ireland’s role in Europe ahead of its upcoming presidency of the European Union in July, highlighting the long-standing importance of EU membership to the State’s security and prosperity. He said, “Europe has worked for Ireland because Ireland has worked to help Europe develop, expand and reform.” While addressing Leaders’ Questions, Taoiseach Micheál Martin also publicly highlighted in the Dáil debates on 15/04 that “There are challenges [when it comes to renewable energy], yes. That is why we have to invest in storage as well.”
For the past two weeks, RTE news, The Irish Times and other media channels have been reporting on the oil shortage and its consequences, but no mention of Hydrogen or other fuel alternatives made the news*. Why is that? Ireland stands at a crossroads. As energy transition gathers pace, with some of the best wind resources in Europe, Ireland is well-placed to generate renewable electricity at scale. However, when prices spike internationally, Ireland’s dependency shows its face – as well as its small domestic buffer. Continuing to rely on a single dominant fuel source leaves the economy exposed to unpredictable price shocks and global instability. Recent reporting across Irish media has increasingly focused on offshore wind expansion and the need to convert that energy into usable, storable forms. Across Europe, countries are already investing heavily, building infrastructure, and securing early advantages in what is becoming a competitive global market.
Hydrogen offers a fundamentally different model that could also be integrated in a relatively short time. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen can be produced locally using renewable electricity and water. Ireland’s energy challenge is also its opportunity. Hydrogen can counterbalance the instability of oil and open the door to a more controlled and predictable energy system, as:
– Hydrogen can be produced from renewable electricity and local water resources, reducing dependence on imported fuels whose prices are shaped by global events. Domestic production potential;
– While oil prices fluctuate dramatically, the cost of renewable electricity and electrolysis technologies has shown a consistent downward trend. Predictable cost trajectory;
– Hydrogen can be stored, transported, and used across sectors —power, heat, transport, and industry— providing a multisector buffer against market shocks. Energy‑system flexibility;
As hydrogen infrastructure scales, many experts expect it to deliver more stable energy and transport costs compared to fossil fuel‑linked alternatives. Long-term price stability.
“Hydrogen offers Ireland a strategic pathway out of the volatility that has defined global oil markets for decades. By investing now, we can build an energy system that is cleaner, more resilient, and fundamentally more stable. Hydrogen gives Ireland the ability to produce its own fuel, on its own terms, using its own renewable resources. That is the kind of long-term security our economy and our communities deserve.” — Paul McCormack, CEO, Hydrogen Ireland.
The question is no longer whether hydrogen can play a role, but how quickly Ireland chooses to scale it, to transform the country from a price taker in global energy markets into a producer with control, resilience, and long-term security.
With a focus on answering some of these key questions, we bring you a timely interview featuring Professor Rory Monaghan in conversation with John Morley on Galway Bay FM Galway Talks! Here they discuss key topics such as the deepening of the energy Crisis, Carbon tax, Green electricity x Oil crisis, Hydrogen Applications (space rockets?), and short-, medium- and long-term answers to these challenging times. Listen to the full conversation in https://lnkd.in/eQ6MzAMn
In this engaging 20-minute discussion, Dr Monaghan unpacks the growing pressure on Ireland’s energy system, explains how the system works, and offers practical guidance for electricity consumers. He highlights the role of #SH2AMROCK in advancing hydrogen as part of Ireland’s energy mix – especially in critical times, outlining short-, medium-, and long-term pathways to strengthen Irish energy security.
💚 SH2AMROCK, Ireland’s first hydrogen valley, aims to produce green hydrogen and develop a multi-modal H2 transport hub powered by a hydrogen refuelling station in Galway Bay. The project will support the deployment of hydrogen across hard-to-abate sectors, alongside the infrastructure needed for its production, distribution, and use on the island.