Archibald launches consultation on low carbon hydrogen
Date published:
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: Publication of independent hydrogen research
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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.
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