Lyons said, “Recent energy price rises are impacting on every person and business in Northern Ireland. This is happening because of the global price volatility that comes with fossil fuels. Our new strategy sets out how we will work towards phasing out fossil fuels, ending this volatility and ensuring that more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy and helps to create wealth and jobs.
“The Path to Net Zero Energy sets out a path to 2030 that will mobilize the skills, technologies and behaviors needed to take us towards net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050.”
The Path to Net Zero Energy sets three key targets:
McCormack, said, "I welcome that the strategy sets out how we will work towards phasing out fossil fuels and the emphasis on a green energy future with hydrogen as a key energy vector.
“The strategy stresses hydrogen is a substantial opportunity for Northern Ireland and I could not agree more. The strategy maintains we have projects already in development giving momentum in terms of building expertise across the private sector, energy industry and academia.
”The GenComm project started in 2017 and has been a key driver in the green energy trajectory. GenComm partners NUIG, DCU and Hy Energy published a report into the opportunities presented by hydrogen in Northern Ireland's green energy transition. This report was funded by the Department for the Economy to contribute to the evidence base for the development of the energy strategy.
"The research team presented the results of case studies for green hydrogen, hydrogen produced by electrolysis powered by renewable electricity and deployment in Northern Ireland in 2030. The results demonstrated the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of hydrogen production and use at scale in Northern Ireland. Now with the strategy published we have a cohesive roadmap to achieve net zero.
"Northern Ireland has a bright economic, social and environmental future established on a hydrogen energy mix."
