UK and Ireland Plan 100% Hydrogen Interconnector to Accelerate Energy Transition

National Gas (UK) and Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) have signed a major agreement to explore the development of a cross-border hydrogen pipeline—the first of its kind between the two nations. Announced on 16 June 2025, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a key step towards enhancing energy security and advancing decarbonisation across both countries.

A New Hydrogen Pipeline on the Horizon

The agreement lays the groundwork for feasibility studies into developing a dedicated hydrogen interconnector—either by building new infrastructure or repurposing existing assets. While the route is yet to be confirmed, the goal is clear: enable cross-border trade of green hydrogen and biomethane to help decarbonise heavy industry and power generation.

If realised, the pipeline would transport hydrogen produced via electrolysis (primarily powered by Ireland’s offshore wind) and deliver it through infrastructure designed for 100% hydrogen—meeting the highest safety and technical standards.

Why This Matters Now

Both the UK and Ireland are accelerating efforts to reach net-zero targets. The UK is legally committed to achieving net zero by 2050, while Ireland’s actions align with its Climate Action Plan and the EU’s Fit for 55 framework.

Key drivers behind the project include:

• Energy security through diversified low-carbon supply

• Cross-border cooperation built on decades of shared energy infrastructure

• Green hydrogen and biomethane as core tools in the decarbonisation toolkit

• Immediate emissions reduction through biomethane, which is already grid-compatible

Supporting Renewables and Innovation

Beyond the pipeline, the UK-Ireland partnership will also focus on:

• Sharing operational expertise and technical data

• Integrating hydrogen and biomethane into existing networks

• Joint R&D to future-proof infrastructure for the hydrogen economy

This directly supports Ireland’s ambition to become a green hydrogen powerhouse by harnessing its vast offshore wind potential, while also helping the UK hit its net-zero commitments and establish global hydrogen leadership.

Economic and Infrastructure Benefits

A successful interconnector could unlock a host of economic and industrial gains:

• Job creation across infrastructure, electrolysis, and certification sectors

• Clean fuel access for energy-intensive industries on both sides of the Irish Sea

• Biomethane bridging the gap, using current infrastructure to reduce emissions while hydrogen scales up

Challenges remain—from retrofitting infrastructure and maintaining hydrogen purity to aligning regulatory standards. The MoU directly acknowledges these and sets out a framework for collaboration between governments, regulators, academia, and the private sector.

Not Just Another Interconnector

While the UK and Ireland already share electricity and natural gas infrastructure, this project breaks new ground. It’s not about blending hydrogen into existing lines—it’s about building infrastructure purpose-built for 100% hydrogen transport, laying the foundation for a future cross-border clean energy economy.

What’s Next?

The next phase involves detailed technical and commercial studies, including:

• Delivery models and route options

• Infrastructure costs and hydrogen demand forecasts

• Regulatory alignment with UK, EU, and global hydrogen standards

Stakeholder engagement is now underway, with input being sought from industry experts, academics, investors, and policymakers.

About the Project Partners

National Gas (UK)
Manages over 8,000 km of the UK’s national gas transmission network. A key player in shaping the UK’s hydrogen future, they’re actively testing hydrogen blending and adaptation strategies across the grid.

Gas Networks Ireland (GNI)
Operates Ireland’s national gas infrastructure. GNI is leading the country’s transition to a fossil-free gas network, advancing biomethane deployment and piloting hydrogen integration projects.

Final Thoughts

This MoU may be the first step, but it’s a significant one. As hydrogen shifts from concept to infrastructure, projects like this could reshape regional energy markets. A UK-Ireland hydrogen corridor would not only support decarbonisation but also position both countries as leaders in the global hydrogen economy.