A new membership group has been formed in Northern Ireland to support the development of the clean hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen NI was established to serve businesses and organizations interested in advancing Northern Ireland’s clean hydrogen economy.
Phoenix Natural Gas, B9 Energy Storage, Solo Renewables, Green Energy Hub, UK law firm Shoosmiths, and Evermore Group are among the early participants.
Electrolysis, in which electricity is used to break water into hydrogen and oxygen, is becoming a more common way to generate hydrogen.
Northern Ireland has a “unique opportunity” to use its “world-leading levels of renewable electricity,” which is mostly produced by wind power, to produce clean hydrogen, according to the new group.
It will also provide a long-term use for wind energy produced during periods when electricity demand is poor.
The group’s formation comes at a “critical juncture” as Northern Ireland prepares for a “post-Covid” green recovery.
The Department for the Economy is also conducting a consultation on options for a new Energy Strategy, which is expected to be released by the end of the year.
Hydrogen NI will be the industry’s voice in Northern Ireland, engaging with the government, elected officials, local authorities, the media, and the general public to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of creating a clean hydrogen economy.
