Derry to host North West Energy Conference to explore future of energy

A cross-border conference will be held in Derry to discuss the future of energy on the island and what local businesses in the North West region of Ireland can do to address the challenges for businesses of rising energy costs and the opportunities for investment, growth, innovation and job creation, within the framework of a sustainable energy sector.

The Derry and Letterkenny Chambers will host the annual North West Future of Energy conference on Thursday, November 16 in the Everglades Hotel.

The conference will feature a keynote address from Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity and will also bring together energy suppliers, technology providers, industry buyers, investors and policy makers in one marketplace to share knowledge and showcase innovation.

It will also invite participants to look closely at their own carbon footprint and educate business owners on tools such as the SME Climate Hub that they can use to assess and monitor where improvements can be made to their own business operations.

Compered by energy journalist and broadcaster Jamie Delargy, this year’s conference will explore issues including security of supply, innovation, energy competitiveness and decarbonisation.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber, said: “There are so many challenges we face as businesses, not least of which is the growing rise in energy prices which has impacted businesses all across the country in the past year.

“This conference however will examine the opportunities presented by our energy challenges and how we can practically meet them.

“We’ll explore how we can innovate, how we can use renewable energies and new technologies and how we can collaborate with each other to meet these challenges head on and become responsible business owners in the drive for a more sustainable future.

“We are very pleased to have the support of SSE Renewables this year and are looking forward to an engaging and lively conference.”

Toni Forrester, Chief Executive of the Letterkenny Chamber, added: “Our members have energy cost and security high on their agendas, they are adopting measures to improve their sustainability and conserve energy.

“This conference is an opportunity for businesses to explore new ideas, meet the suppliers in the industry and hear from key stakeholders.

The Future of Energy Conference is relevant across the country, the North West region is working together to address the challenges and explore opportunities for investment and job creation in the renewable energy sector.”

Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity said: “I am delighted to be delivering the keynote address at this year’s North West Future of Energy Conference.

“At SSE, we are driven by our purpose, that is to provide the energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. Collaboration is the key to realising this ambition.

“This conference provides us with the valuable opportunity to discuss how we can deliver a cheaper, cleaner and more secure homegrown energy system. 

“We will also discuss the spinoff benefits that the net zero transition can deliver for the North-West, including good green jobs.”