UK and Ireland eye hydrogen interconnector under new cross-border gas agreement
National Gas and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) have signed a new agreement to deepen collaboration on hydrogen, biomethane, and the future of cross-border gas infrastructure.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in London on 16 June by National Gas Chief Commercial Officer Ian Radley and GNI’s Director of Customer and Business Development David Kelly, sets out plans to share data, support joint projects, and explore the possibility of a hydrogen-ready interconnector between the UK and Ireland.
While still at the conceptual stage, the two gas operators say they will now begin assessing potential hydrogen supply and demand, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory hurdles that would need to be addressed for a new or repurposed pipeline capable of transporting 100% hydrogen.
According to National Gas, the agreement builds on existing operational work and represents “a significant milestone in our journey towards a low carbon and secure energy future,” Radley said.
“By working closely with GNI, we can accelerate innovation and unlock the full potential of hydrogen and biomethane across our networks”, he added.
Kelly described the MoU as “a pivotal opportunity for Ireland and the UK to work together on the future of clean energy”, pointing to the role of hydrogen and biomethane in decarbonising national gas grids.
The two companies say they are now welcoming engagement from the wider energy sector to help inform feasibility studies and next steps for a potential hydrogen interconnector.
