North West Future of Energy Conference & Exhibition 2025

Energy transformation at the heart of economic renewal

The North West Future of Energy Conference returns in November 2025 for a seventh year but with a bold new vision. Reimagined to reflect the urgency and opportunity of our time, this year’s conference will go beyond the future of energy production — placing the North West’s energy transformation at the heart of economic renewal.

With a sharp focus on Good Jobs, decarbonisation, and regional balance, the conference will explore how investment in renewable infrastructure — from offshore wind to green hydrogen — can power not just our homes, but an entire regional economy. It will highlight the skills, innovation, and cross-border collaboration needed to build a future-proofed energy sector that creates lasting opportunities for local people.

Bringing together key players from industry, education, government, and the wider economy, the 2025 conference will be a platform for practical collaboration — not just conversation. Expect thought-provoking panels, strategic insights, and the forging of new partnerships, all with one goal: to position the North West as a leader in clean energy and inclusive economic growth.

Another welcome development this year is collaboration with both our nearest neighbours – the Letterkenny and Causeway Chambers – in the North West Energy corridor. Their valuable contributions illustrate the scale of the region we live in and how our combined strength in renewable energy can support economic revitalisation.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:05 | MC Jim Fitzpatrick, Consulting Editor, Irish News

10.05 – 10.10 | Opening Address
Speaker:  Andrew Fleming, President, Derry Chamber
Theme: The strategic role of the North West in delivering economic and energy transformation

10.10 – 10.15 | Sponsor Address

Speaker: Alan Campbell, SONI

10:15 – 10:20 | Opening Remarks

Speaker: Richard Rodgers

Panel Discussions

10:20 – 11:15 | Panel 1: Energy Transformation = Economic Transformation
Topics:

• Catalysing economic opportunity through energy projects (e.g. wind, hydrogen, grid upgrades)
• Creating opportunities for SMEs and larger investors
• Delivering regional balance through energy hubs

Panel Chair – John Palmer, Partner, A&L Goodbody

Panellists:

• David Noronha, Future Networks and Strategic Offshore Planning Design Authority, EirGrid.
• Eimear Watson, Head of Networks, SONI
• Ian Luney, Chief Development Officer, Foyle Port
• Eugene Heaney, Invest NI
• Matt Collins, Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment

11:15 – 11:45 | Coffee Break

11:45 – 12:00 | Lightning Talk
Speaker: Mark McGillion, TriEx
Topic: TBC

12:00 – 12:45 | Panel 2: Powering Skills for a Net Zero Economy
Topics:

• Workforce needs for the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors
• Building education and training pipelines
• Upskilling, reskilling, and job quality in the green economy

Panel Chair – Emma Morris, Director of Operations, SONI

Panellists:

• Francine Moran, Principal Lecturer in Sustainability and Social Responsibility, NWRC
• Dr Chris O’Malley, Vice President, Regional Development & Engagement, ATU
• Malachy McElholm, Ulster University
• Colm Richardson, Senior Manager FET Provision, ETB

12:45 – 13:50 | Networking Lunch

13:50 – 14:35 | Panel 3: The North West Energy Corridor – A Cross-Border Opportunity
Topics:

• Coordinated development across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
• Shared infrastructure and funding (e.g. PEACE Plus, EU programmes)
• Industrial symbiosis and regional balance across the border

Panel Chair: Jim Fitzpatrick

Panellists:

• Karen O’Doherty, Future Systems Manager, NIE Networks

• Paul Doherty, Energy Manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council
• Emma Kelly, Director Planning, Turley and RenewableNI Planning Chair
• Richard Rodgers, Deputy Secretary, Head of Energy, DfE

14:35 – 14:40 | Closing Remarks

Speaker: Senior Government Minister
Theme: A green energy future for the North West

14.40 – 14.50 | Round  up and takeaways  – Jim Fitzpatrick

Exhibition Stands
HA Group
Kinecx Energy
b4b Renewables Limited
SONI
Proaptivity
Nicholl Oil
Aircool Engineering
Ipowerflex
A&L Goodbody
Advice NI
North West Regional College
Donegal County Council