A major green hydrogen and energy storage project has been unveiled in Ireland, with plans for a 600 MW facility that could become one of the country’s largest clean energy infrastructure developments.
Irish developer Net Zero Energy (NZE) has announced proposals for the Rathrush Green Energy Park in County Carlow. The project is designed to convert surplus renewable electricity into green hydrogen, providing long-duration energy storage and helping address one of the biggest challenges facing renewable energy systems: intermittency.
With an estimated investment of €2 billion, the facility would capture excess electricity generated by wind and solar farms when demand is low or grid capacity is constrained. Instead of allowing this renewable energy to be curtailed, the power would be used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis.
The hydrogen would then be stored underground in specially engineered rock caverns before being converted back into electricity when needed. This approach would provide a large-scale, low-carbon source of backup power for the Irish grid, reducing reliance on fossil-fuel generation during periods of high demand or low renewable output.
According to NZE, the project could avoid approximately 180,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing around 40,000 cars from the road.
Once operational, Rathrush Green Energy Park would be capable of delivering up to 600 MW of dispatchable renewable energy, enough to meet roughly 10% of Ireland’s peak electricity demand. The proposed facility would also significantly exceed the storage capacity of existing Irish energy storage assets, highlighting its potential strategic importance for national energy security.
The project arrives as Ireland seeks to accelerate its energy transition while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Rising geopolitical tensions and recent energy market disruptions have reinforced the need for domestic, resilient energy infrastructure capable of supporting increasing levels of renewable generation.
Beyond its climate and energy security benefits, the development is expected to generate substantial economic activity. Construction could support up to 1,500 jobs at peak activity, while around 70 permanent skilled positions are expected once the facility enters operation.
The developer is currently undertaking community engagement and consultation activities and aims to submit a planning application before the end of the year.
If approved, Rathrush Green Energy Park could become a landmark project for both Ireland’s hydrogen economy and Europe’s growing market for long-duration energy storage solutions.
