The Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald has said she is committed to supporting the North West’s ambition to become a leader in clean energy and inclusive economic growth. Speaking yesterday at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s North West Future of Energy Conference 2025, which took place at the White Horse Hotel, Campsie and was sponsored by SONI. The conference brought together leaders from industry, government, education, and the wider economy to explore how energy transformation can underpin long-term regional renewal.
Closing the conference, held in conjunction with Letterkenny and Causeway Chambers of Commerce, the Minister for the Economy emphasised that the region’s energy potential is central to shaping a competitive and prosperous future. She reaffirmed her commitment to improving regional balance, highlighting that the economic geography of the North West presents unique opportunities for shared development across borders. The Minister stressed that all-island collaboration is crucial to facing joint challenges and embracing joint opportunities, noting that the scale of the transition towards renewables demands coordinated planning, shared infrastructure, and strengthened cross-border partnerships.
Now in its seventh year, the reimagined 2025 conference placed a focus on good jobs, decarbonisation, and regional balance. Delegates explored how renewable energy investment – from offshore wind and green hydrogen to grid upgrades – can drive not only environmental progress, but also wider economic transformation across the North West.
The event also marked enhanced cooperation across the North West Energy Corridor, with participation from Letterkenny and Causeway Chambers. This collaboration strengthens a shared regional vision for the future of energy and highlights the growing momentum behind coordinated development across the island.
The conference featured a strong line-up of speakers and panellists from across the energy, skills, and economic sectors. Irish News Consulting Editor Jim Fitzpatrick chaired the event, while experts from industry, government, education, and the cross-border business community participated in discussions on the economic impact of renewable energy, the region’s emerging skills needs, and the opportunities presented by the North West Energy Corridor. From exploring SME participation in new green supply chains to outlining the workforce transformation required for a net-zero future, contributors offered practical insights and a shared commitment to driving the region’s energy and economic ambitions forward.
Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, said:
“Collaboration between the Chambers brings an important focus to the environmental and economic opportunity of renewable energy, and the role the north west is playing in this.
“Delivering on my economic priorities, I am committed to supporting the ambition for the north west to become a leader in clean energy and inclusive economic growth.”
Andrew Fleming, President, Londonderry Chamber, said:
“The North West has the ambition and the capability to lead the way in clean energy and inclusive economic growth. Our challenges and opportunities do not stop at the border — that is why all-island collaboration is essential to delivering long-term prosperity for all our communities.
“This conference demonstrated the enormous potential of the North West to drive economic renewal through energy transformation. By bringing together partners from across the region and across the island, we are building the relationships, skills, and ambition needed to position the North West as a leader in the green economy.”
Alan Campbell, Chief Executive, SONI, said:
“The North West will play a pivotal role in delivering the energy transition, and SONI is committed to ensuring the grid is ready to support the region’s enormous potential. Yesterday’s conference highlighted the power of collaboration across sectors and across the island, and we look forward to working with partners to unlock the renewable energy opportunities that will drive economic growth and strengthen regional balance.”
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