The Spine H2-IRL Project funded by SEAI

Previous research studies comprehensively show that hydrogen can potentially play a significant role in decarbonising the Irish energy system. However, there are key unanswered questions around security of supply, resiliency, and system flexibility service requirements.

The Spine H2-IRL project aims to extend the existing models and analysis to provide concrete policy guidance on these critical issues. The 18-month project will discuss the potential of hydrogen-based technologies in Ireland's energy system. The partners are Energy Reform, Mullan Grid and Wind Energy Ireland. Throughout the project, collaboration with other organisations (Dublin City University, Corre Energy BV, Maynooth University, Carbon 280, VTT, University College Dublin) and bodies (IEA Wind Task 25, Global Power System Transformation Consortium) will also occur.

June 2023 - December 2024

The high-level aim of the project is to address some of the key unanswered questions surrounding the potential role of green hydrogen in the future Irish energy system, directly addressing Topic 13 of SEAI’s RD&D call. This will involve the following lower-level objectives:

• In coordination with SEAI and key industry stakeholders, establish the state of knowledge concerning the role of green hydrogen in the Irish energy sector and identify knowledge and policy gaps.
• Review existing models and methodologies and develop a coherent study methodology and associated set of assumptions and scenarios that will comprehensively address the key
  questions of energy security, reliability, flexibility and infrastructure development
• Develop open models suitable for studying the flexibility, security of supply and grid aspects of green hydrogen in the Irish energy system
• Carry out state-of-the-art modelling to address the knowledge gaps and thoroughly verify and validate results
• Synthesise results, develop strong policy recommendations and disseminate widely to the industry

A strong partnership has been established along with a network of national and international collaborators. The project partners, Energy Reform (ER), MullanGrid (MG) and Wind Energy Ireland have been active in the hydrogen space and bring together a complimentary set of experience and skills. MullanGrid will inform modelling and grid assumptions along with the market knowledge and pricing aspects. MullanGrid will also contribute the knowledge of the DS3 program and inform the flexibility assessment task. WEI will facilitate sharing of insights, cooperation, and networking between partners. They will provide access to additional expertise and essential data for the project team. Applying communications, media and event experience, WEI will expertly execute the dissemination of results across a spectrum of stakeholders. The collaborator network includes key organisations and individuals that are playing a significant role in hydrogen development internationally.

• WP1: Project Management and Administration
• WP2: Model Review, Specification and Scenario Development
• WP3: Open Model and Tool Development
• WP4: Modelling of Green Hydrogen in the Irish Energy Sector
• WP5: Open Approach and Dissemination

WP2: Model Review, Specification and Scenario Development

2.1:Literature Review
2.2: Methodology, assumptions and data
2.3: Technology Assessment
2.4: Future SOS, Resilience and Flexibility System Services Requirements
2.5: Infrastructure Scenarios
2.6: Scenario Specification

WP3: Open Model and Tool Development

3.1: Reliability Assessment Model Development
3.2: Flexibility Assessment Model Development
3.3: Network Model Development
3.4: Pathway Model Development

WP4: Modelling of Green Hydrogen in the Irish Energy Sector

4.1: Pathway Modelling
4.2: Flexibility and System Services Assessment
4.3: SOS and Reliability Assessment
4.4: Model Validation and Verification

5 Open Approach, Communication and Dissemination 

5.1: Communication and Dissemination
5.2:Open Model and Data Deliverables
5.3: Synthesis, Report Writing and Policy Recommendations

Email: SpineH2IRL@energyreform.ie