Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development

28 May, 2025

Northern Ireland’s Industrial Decarbonisation Initiative (ID-NI): Driving a Greener, More Competitive Economy

Rachel Sankannawar is the Head of Green Economy Development at Invest Northern Ireland. In the following feature, she sets out the outcomes of the Industrial Decarbonisation - Northern Ireland Initiative.

Across Northern Ireland, businesses are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs, and improve efficiency. But decarbonisation isn’t just about environmental responsibility - it’s a strategic opportunity to boost competitiveness and long-term resilience. 

That’s where Industrial Decarbonisation – Northern Ireland (ID-NI) comes in. We launched the first of its kind initiative in January 2024, to support businesses at all levels to reduce emissions while increasing productivity. 

The results so far? Businesses participating in ID-NI have identified £28 million in potential energy savings and if its recommendations are widely adopted, this could grow to £448 million per year!  

What is ID-NI?

ID-NI takes a structured, strategic approach to industrial decarbonisation, focusing on: 

  • Individual business interventions to improve energy efficiency.
  • Clustering neighbouring companies together to share energy infrastructure and waste streams.
  • Improving regional infrastructure planning to support long-term industrial decarbonisation. 

To accelerate progress, ID-NI has established an Advisory Board, which includes Invest NI, Manufacturing NI, the Mineral Products Association, AMIC/QUB, Ulster University, the Department for the Economy, and NI Chamber amongst others. This group is helping to shape the future of industrial decarbonisation across Northern Ireland. 

Why This Matters for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland faces challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving productivity.  

While 43% of our electricity already comes from renewables, Northern Ireland’s overall carbon reductions remain below UK averages. Since 1990, our emissions have fallen 26.4%, compared to 49.9% across the UK. 

The Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 has set ambitious targets: a 48% reduction in net emissions by 2030. Achieving this requires immediate, large-scale action—and ID-NI is supporting Northern Ireland companies to achieve this.

Early Success: The Power of Collaboration

Throughout 2024, ID-NI has made significant progress: 

  • 11 workshops held across all council areas, engaging 220 businesses.
  • Nine industrial clusters identified, including 54 of Northern Ireland’s largest energy users.
  • We developed a bespoke Productivity Emissions Tool, now adopted by over 100 companies, helping them to plan to reduce waste and improve efficiency. 

Below is a map of the Clusters......

One standout example is the Mid Ulster industrial cluster in Granville, Dungannon. By working together on shared decarbonisation solutions, such as a Combined Heat and Power plants, businesses in this cluster - including Axon, Westland, McCloskey International, Dunbia, Linden, Linergy, BMI, and United Feeds - could see a nine-fold improvement in energy savings.

Real Business Impact: A Case Study

Through ID-NI, Roisin McCabe, Senior Manager at Spectrum LTD, has gained valuable insight into measuring carbon emissions and reducing energy costs.

A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future

ID-NI’s success is built on collaboration, with key partners including: 

  • Manufacturing NI, the Mineral Products Association NI, AMIC/QUB, Ulster University, and the RePowering Black Country project, among others. 
  • Local councils, government departments, and utility companies working together to accelerate progress. 

A Milestone Event in Cookstown

In February, we hosted an ID-NI insight event in Cookstown, where over 100 participating businesses gathered to showcase findings and help shape the next phase of the initiative. The event featured key stakeholders, including members of the ID-NI Advisory Board. 

In her opening remarks, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald, emphasised how industrial decarbonisation can fuel economic growth and innovation across the North. 

What’s next?

ID-NI is just the beginning! With strong foundations in place, Invest NI is committed to scaling these efforts - helping businesses across Northern Ireland embrace decarbonisation as a driver of economic success. 

For more information on ID-NI and how your business can benefit, click here. 

Comments