New Partnership Targets 2050 Net Zero Goal

Irish utilities Uisce Éireann and ESB have joined forces in a landmark partnership to drive sustainable national infrastructure, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

At the heart of the deal is a bold plan to boost renewable hydrogen production—key to Ireland’s clean energy future—by exploring the reuse of treated wastewater for large-scale hydrogen electrolysis.

The innovative HyWater project, backed by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, is already underway with a feasibility study set for completion by Autumn 2025. If successful, this could pave the way for a trial hydrogen production site and potentially nationwide rollout.

Uisce Éireann’s Aisling Buckley emphasised the vital role of sustainable water services in supporting communities and environmental health, adding that this collaboration will push Ireland closer to energy neutrality and circular economy goals.

ESB’s Edward McGuire highlighted green hydrogen as a game-changer for meeting Ireland’s ambitious net zero targets.

Together, the utilities will explore cutting-edge solutions to balance water resource resilience with the urgent need for clean energy innovation—marking a significant step forward in Ireland’s climate action journey.