Northern Ireland Economy Minister Dr 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: Publication of independent
hydrogen research
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Economy Minister Dr pictured with the
members of the Hydrogen Industry Working Group as she launched
a public consultation on the policy for low carbon hydrogen.
- The consultation is seeking information and views on a range
of issues, including: the production, transport, storage and uses
of low carbon hydrogen; the development of the hydrogen sector;
and regulatory issues impacting the hydrogen sector.
- The consultation is available on the Department's website
at:- Consultation on a Sustainable,
Regional Approach for the production, storage, transport and
use of Hydrogen as a fuel. The consultation will
remain open for 12 weeks until 18 December 2025.
- As part of the consultation process a workshop will take
place on 26 November 2025 in Adelaide House Belfast.
