Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today launched a public consultation on the policy for low carbon hydrogen.
The consultation, a key commitment of the 2025 Energy Strategy Action Plan, seeks views on a sustainable, regional approach for the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen in Northern Ireland.
The Minister launched the consultation at a roundtable discussion held in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, NIACE facility, Belfast. The Minister hosted the event alongside representatives from the Hydrogen Industry Working Group, key stakeholders in the co-design and development of the consultation.
Speaking at the roundtable, the Minister said: “Transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential for building a greener, more sustainable economy. The Executive’s Energy Strategy recognises the role that hydrogen can play in diversifying our energy mix. This consultation is seeking sector engagement on the economic and innovation opportunities that hydrogen presents for the region; how hydrogen can enhance energy security and demonstrates the need for collaboration between government and industry to make this happen.
“It has been insightful to hear from industry leaders today about both the challenges and opportunities for the local sector and its role in driving forward my economic priorities of creating good jobs, boosting productivity, addressing regional balance, and decarbonisation.”
Emma McKenna, Head of Sustainable Manufacturing at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre said: “AMIC was delighted to welcome Minister Archibald to our NIACE facility to formally launch this consultation which reflects the central role collaboration and innovation will play in shaping Northern Ireland’s hydrogen future. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the development of the consultation through the Department’s Hydrogen Industry Working Group.”
The Minister concluded: “I would encourage stakeholders to have their say. It is important all voices are heard, and the needs and ambitions of the sector are reflected in future low carbon hydrogen policy. This consultation is not an end point, rather it is another step on the journey towards building a resilient hydrogen sector for the north.”
The Minister also published two pieces of independent research that have informed the consultation, which are available here: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/publication-independent-hydrogen-research
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
