Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey has emphasised that pursuing a net-zero future is not only a moral imperative but also a significant economic opportunity.

Minister Hargey made the statement while co-opening the 'Energy Ireland' conference in Dublin alongside Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan. During the event, she outlined an Economic Vision for Northern Ireland, focusing on decarbonisation and a fair transition to net zero. This vision aims to drive economic growth, enhance productivity, and address regional disparities.

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Addressing over 300 delegates from across the energy sector, Ms Hargey said: "I welcome the opportunity to speak at today’s Energy Ireland conference. Decarbonisation is a key objective of our Economic Vision. This Vision embraces the transition towards net zero as both a moral necessity, and a tremendous economic opportunity.

"As a small region, the north is already leveraging our strengths in innovative engineering and advanced manufacturing alongside capitalising on our unique dual-market access to deliver low and zero carbon solutions that are in global demand. The solutions this island needs to deliver net zero are the solutions that the rest of the world needs too. It only takes a tiny proportion of this global market opportunity to deliver significant prosperity for citizens across Ireland."