Belfast. Thursday 29^th September 2022 – Northern Ireland industry group Hydrogen NI has welcomed future collaboration with the Civil Service in working to develop a clean hydrogen economy.

Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady met today with Hydrogen NI members to hear how a thriving regional hydrogen economy will be a crucial tool in achieving energy security, tackling the cost of living and helping to deliver Northern Ireland’s transition to net zero.

Hydrogen NI sees the region as an ideally suited location for a clean hydrogen economy. The renewable sector has to date delivered world-leading levels of wind energy which future production of hydrogen could maximise, and in turn will support the decarbonisation of the natural gas network. 

The group was excited to discuss their vision for the economic benefits that a growing hydrogen industry offers to Northern Ireland and where they foresee the need for working in partnership with the Civil Service.

Also on the table for discussion was how current events have highlighted the importance of energy independence when it comes to protecting consumers and the most vulnerable here from the price instability of volatile international markets. A homegrown energy source such as hydrogen has the potential to support security of energy supply and attract significant direct investment, leading to the creation of thousands of highly skilled sustainable jobs and driving green growth within Northern Ireland.

Hydrogen NI Chairperson John Palmer (Partner and Energy Specialist, Shoosmiths LLP) who led the briefing, welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with the Civil Service:

“Working to end our current energy crisis and achieve Northern Ireland’s energy transition is no easy task and the scale of this challenge will require innovative thinking and collaboration between industry and all aspects of the Civil Service. Hydrogen NI have appreciated today’s opportunity to meet with Jayne Brady to discuss the ways that we can work together to create the right kind of policy and regulatory environment to allow a future hydrogen economy to flourish and create economic and employment opportunities right across Northern Ireland.”

“We must be flexible and understand that delivering our future energy system will not have just one solution. Hydrogen NI are optimistic that clean hydrogen, alongside a range of innovative renewable energy technologies, can play a critical role in meeting our ambitious climate change targets.”