A public consultation has been launched on Northern Ireland's approach to low carbon hydrogen.

The consultation, launched by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, forms part of the 2025 Energy Strategy Action Plan and aims to guide the production, storage, transport, and use of hydrogen across the region.

The Minister introduced the consultation during a roundtable at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (NIACE) in Belfast, alongside representatives from the Hydrogen Industry Working Group and other sector stakeholders involved in shaping the policy.

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Dr Archibald highlighted the role of hydrogen in diversifying the energy mix and strengthening energy security. She noted that the consultation seeks sector feedback on economic and innovation opportunities for Northern Ireland, as well as the practical challenges of developing a regional hydrogen infrastructure.

Emma McKenna, Head of Sustainable Manufacturing at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, said the consultation reflects the importance of collaboration and innovation in establishing a local hydrogen sector and emphasised the centre's involvement in developing the policy through the Hydrogen Industry Working Group.

The Minister encouraged contractors, engineers and other stakeholders to contribute to the consultation to ensure that the sector's needs are incorporated into future low carbon hydrogen policy. Two pieces of independent research underpinning the consultation have also been published.

Further details and access to the research can be found here.