Hydrogen NI has hosted the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns MP at a meeting in Belfast to discuss the exciting opportunities a green hydrogen economy offers Northern Ireland.

The Minister for State joined Hydrogen NI members for a wide-ranging discussion on topics including the progress made across the sector to date and the need to develop a regulatory and policy framework to facilitate a future hydrogen economy. The group also raised the need to address challenges facing the industry, including slow and inconsistent planning decisions, and government support for innovative new solutions in the clean hydrogen market.

The meeting forms part of Hydrogen NI’s broader stakeholder engagement over the last 12 months, during which time its membership has grown to include the likes of KPMG, Mutual Energy, Phoenix Gas, Shoosmiths Firmus, B9 Energy and ABO Wind.

Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns MP said:

“Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the UK’s hydrogen economy and the UK Government recognises the importance of Northern Ireland’s role in developing the UK’s green economy as we continue to drive towards our net zero targets.

“It has been great to meet with members of Hydrogen NI today in Belfast, hearing about the work that they have been doing, as leaders in the sector, in attracting investment and creating jobs for Northern Ireland.

Hydrogen NI Chairperson John Palmer (Partner and Energy Specialist, Shoosmiths LLP) welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Minister of State:

“We were delighted to host Minister of State, Conor Burns MP here in Belfast and would like to thank him again for taking the time to meet with some of our members.

“Hydrogen NI was launched almost a year ago, and this important meeting is a testament to the level of interest we are seeing in the potential to grow Northern Ireland’s clean hydrogen economy.

“Northern Ireland is ideally suited to develop a thriving hydrogen economy due to its high levels of wind energy, a modern gas network and natural storage facilities.

“A joined-up approach across government and industry will be crucial to deliver our hydrogen ambitions. Momentum is being turned into action in GB, with a new hydrogen production target of 10GW by 2030. We are delighted to have spoken with the Minister about how we can similarly develop Northern Ireland’s hydrogen potential and we are encouraged by his ambition.

“Hydrogen NI sees growing the green hydrogen economy as a way of tackling both climate change and our current energy crisis. A clean, indigenous energy supply will allow us to make the most of our renewable energy resources, deliver a net-zero future, and most importantly protect the long-term interests of consumers here in Northern Ireland.