Phoenix Energy has welcomed the release of the 2025 Energy Strategy Action Plan by the Department for the Economy, stating that it marks a critical step forward in Northern Ireland’s transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future.
Kailash Chada, CEO of Phoenix Energy, highlighted the importance of the Energy Strategy Action Plan’s focus on renewable gas policies, reinforcing the need for decisive action, stating:
“For the past four years, the gas industry in Northern Ireland has been working in partnership with academia, large energy users, the agricultural sector and the Utility Regulator to create the regulatory and market frameworks needed to unlock Northern Ireland’s biomethane potential. We warmly welcome the positive inclusion of a Department for the Economy action to support the sustainability of biomethane being utilised in the gas network.
“Northern Ireland stands ready to build a biomethane economy. The results of a recent Biomethane Request for Information confirm that we have no shortage of biomethane production developers ready to bring new biomethane production facilities to Northern Ireland.”
The benefits of scaling up this sector are clear and include:
- Boosting economic growth by attracting investment and creating an estimated 1,500 new jobs
- Decarbonising our energy system with a homegrown, renewable gas source
- Supporting large energy users in industry to access a cleaner, sustainable and readily available energy source
- Enhancing farm sustainability through circular economy solutions
- Delivering environmental improvements by diverting organic waste from traditional waste management methods improving air quality and reducing our manure based nutrient surplus
- Strengthening energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“We believe that the time is now to seize what is a massive opportunity for our region”.
Phoenix Energy also welcomed the Department for the Economy’s progress on hydrogen policy development, recognising that while Northern Ireland has some of the highest biomethane potential per capita in these islands, a mix of renewable gases will be key to our future energy system.
Kailash Chada added, “The success of biomethane across Europe proves that the right policies can drive rapid industry growth. Northern Ireland has the resources, the expertise and the demand. Now we need to build on this momentum which the Executive’s Energy Strategy recognises. We look forward to working with the Executive and industry partners to make this a reality.”