Businesses from across the North West of Ireland gathered today (Thursday 17 November) to discuss the future of energy in the region as well as the current challenges facing firms during the cost-of-doing-business crisis.

Jointly delivered by the Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce, the North West Energy Conference took place today in the Everglades Hotel in Derry. It comes as the UN’s COP27 Climate Summit wraps up after two weeks of negotiations and discussions on how the global community can tackle global warming.

The North West Energy Conference featured a keynote address from Richard Rodgers, Head of Energy at the Department for the Economy, focused on Northern Ireland’s energy ambitions and how businesses can make the most of opportunities like renewable energy and decarbonisation to drive investment and growth.

Compered by energy journalist and broadcaster Jamie Delargy, this year’s conference brought together energy suppliers, technology providers, industry buyers, investors, and policy makers to address issues which face businesses and consumers in the North West on both sides of the border and provide solutions to shared challenges.

Supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, the conference included speakers from the public and private sectors and focused on issues including the green economy, the rising cost of energy, renewable energy and carbon neutrality, and decarbonising our buildings and transport.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber, said:

“This year’s North West Energy Conference comes at a crucial time for businesses and organisations across our region. The rapid rise in energy prices has pushed the issue to the forefront of the minds of business owners everywhere and is having a serious impact on firms of all shapes and sizes. Events like today’s are, therefore, vital in fostering collaboration and exploring solutions and best practice which can relieve the pressure that businesses are under.

“It was fantastic to be joined by Richard Rodgers from the Department for the Economy, who detailed the Department’s recent Energy Strategy, the untapped potential within the energy sector in Northern Ireland, and how businesses can exploit the opportunities before them.

“The future of energy is crucial for our businesses, households, and wider economy. While the current environment is very difficult and uncertain, there are opportunities for growth and investment in the energy sector, which North West businesses are well placed to tap into.”

Toni Forrester, Chief Executive of the Letterkenny Chamber, added:

“Businesses and organisations across the North West City Region are being impacted by the rising cost of energy and fuel so this conference comes at a significant and opportune time. However, while the current challenges are fresh in the minds of our members, they are also keen to use new technologies, grow in sectors like renewables and the green economy, and bring investment to our region.

“The North West Energy Conference is now a flagship event in the local business calendar, bringing together local businesses, energy experts, start-ups who are excelling in new technologies and energy sectors, and policy makers. Today was another successful event which delivered new ideas and solutions to tackle some of the biggest challenges local businesses are facing.”