GAS INDUSTRY
A NINGA ADVISORY PANEL WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN 2025 TO ENSURE THE GAS INDUSTRY IS REPRESENTED IN NI’S ENERGY STRATEGY, SAYS PHOENIX ENERGY GENERAL SALES MANAGER NEIL MCCRACKEN… NINGA: Continuing to support gas industry development
It’s been almost 30 years since Natural Gas first arrived in Northern Ireland with the rollout of Phoenix’s infrastructure in Greater Belfast. Recognised as a solution to NI’s growing fuel poverty problems and offering consumers an alternative to their inefficient coal or oil-fired heating systems, it’s perhaps no surprise to see such rapid growth of the network. The local industry quickly embraced the opportunity to reskill to be able to meet demand, leading to the emergence of new training providers, product manufacturers and downstream installation companies in the NI marketplace. NINGA was quickly established to provide a platform for engagement and knowledge sharing across the evolving gas industry. Monthly NINGA networking forums at La Mon Hotel became a staple to ensure the industry was best placed to serve customers’ needs. Today, the industry has evolved significantly, with gas networks covering the majority of NI’s largest towns and cities, and gas overtaking oil as consumers’ fuel of choice across the networks. It’s fantastic to see so many of the local businesses who were involved in the establishment of the industry continuing to thrive and share their knowledge with new emerging companies. An estimated 3,000 people now work in NI’s gas industry, championing energy efficiency and delivering lower-carbon heating solutions. With over 330,000 gas boilers installed, the industry has prevented more than 14 million tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere – I believe this leaves the local industry well placed to deliver low carbon heating solutions in the drive to net zero. Whilst NI’s Energy Strategy continues to be shaped by the NI Executive, there is no doubt there will be opportunities for our independent trade network to again adapt, upskill and grow to enable the rollout of future energy efficiency and heating technologies.
Neil McCracken.
The benefits of a whole-house solution (completing insulation upgrades at the time of heating upgrades) is increasingly now recognised as best practice. NI’s unique opportunities to utilise biomethane and hydrogen alongside the emergence of hybrid heating technologies offer an exciting and pragmatic set of solutions that provide consumers with the opportunity to decarbonise in a manner that is least disruptive. I am pleased to confirm that the establishment of a NINGA Advisory Panel in 2025 will help to direct engagement platforms and ensure the independent gas industry can contribute to policy discussions and the design of NI’s future Energy Strategy. I will be reaching out to NINGA members to bring together a panel in mid spring. Whilst these exciting opportunities
will shape the future direction of the industry, we should not lose sight of what we continue to contribute now, with an estimated 8,000 properties beginning their decarbonisation journey by connecting to the gas network for the first time this year. Collaboration and knowledge sharing have been a core pillar of NINGA for almost 30 years. This year, NINGA will be hosting two large industry events at Titanic Hotel, supported by a series of smaller breakfast and trade counter events throughout the year. I am also delighted to confirm the return of an industry gala ball in November, and I’ll share more details soon. Your involvement and input at these events are vital to ensure the industry continues to
evolve and grow together. www.phoenixenergyni.com
PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 11
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