ESB granted permission to build hydrogen production facility in Co Cork

The ESB has said it is the first step in its wider plans to create a 'hydrogen lighthouse around Ireland'

The development is to be located on a 0.56-hectare site within the ESB Aghada generation facility. File picture: Denis Scannell

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) has been granted permission for the construction of a hydrogen production facility in Aghada, Co Cork.

The development is to be located on a 0.56-hectare site within the ESB Aghada generation facility.

It includes a hydrogen compound and contractor's compound with all associated works which will be used for hydrogen production for an operational period of up to five years.

The development contains a megawatt electrolyser, including a water purification unit (a 40-foot container) with a stack height of 7.7m above ground level.

Transformers, ground units, storage containers, welfare units, compressors, and various other amenities are all proposed as part of the works.

Previously, the ESB told the Irish Examiner that it is a “small-scale generation project” which will be the first step in its wider plans to create a “hydrogen lighthouse around Ireland”.

It will be used for five years as a means to demonstrate how green hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy.

Beer garden to be demolished 

Elsewhere, a plan has been unveiled to demolish a beer garden to make way for a residential development.

The Chestnut Group has applied to Cork City Council, seeking permission to demolish a beer garden at the Spreading Chestnut bar in Cloughduv, southwest of Cork City.

It is proposing the removal of a 98 square metre shed and boundary walls and the decommissioning and removal of a septic tank. In their place, it will build nine two-storey houses.

It also wants to build two commercial units. The first would be a two-storey building comprising four individual units, including a ground-floor pharmacy. and three units to be used for services such as a GP, physio, or dentist.

The second building will also include such services, as well as a three-bed apartment.

Parking spaces, bicycle spaces, and revised access to the existing pub will all be completed if the works are approved too.