Invest Northern Ireland: helping firms seize opportunities in the global green economy

Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in green manufacturing, technology, services, and supply chain innovation. Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development at Invest Northern Ireland, explains why businesses should embrace the green economy and how Invest NI is helping them succeed.

Northern Ireland’s firms are well-placed to lead the global shift toward sustainability. From large multinationals to micro and SME enterprises, many are already reducing their carbon footprints while positioning themselves in emerging green markets.

With a strong foundation in manufacturing, innovation, and green technology, the region is ready to access and anchor value in the green economy. “This isn’t just a sector – it’s a global opportunity that touches every part of the economy,” says Rachel Sankannawar, Head of Green Economy Development at Invest NI. “We are world-class in many areas and have the capabilities to lead the way in green innovation.”

Invest NI’s green initiatives align with its 2024-2027 Business Strategy and the Department for the Economy’s economic vision, which prioritises net zero and renewable energy at the heart of Northern Ireland’s future economic growth.

To support this mission, Invest NI provides a comprehensive range of resources to help businesses at every stage of their sustainability journey. From offering technical advice and developing tailored sustainability plans to providing funding for energy-efficient equipment, the organisation empowers companies to reduce their carbon footprints and enhance their competitiveness.

“We focus on two key areas – helping firms to go green and enabling them to access global green markets, and it’s about raising awareness of opportunities and helping businesses to position themselves globally,” Rachel says.

Through collaboration with its foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade teams, Invest NI connects local companies with international partners, helping them diversify into new sectors, access alternative funding streams, and meet the growing demand for green products and services.

“This is about more than just meeting regulatory demands,” Rachel says. “It’s about turning sustainability into a competitive advantage, helping Northern Ireland businesses lead in innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.”

With this dual focus on sustainability and market positioning, Invest NI ensures that local businesses are prepared to adapt to a net zero future and primed to seize the immense opportunities it brings. This approach aims to solidify Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global hub for green innovation and economic growth.

Invest NI is driving several initiatives to accelerate Northern Ireland’s green economy and net zero goals.

One of Invest NI’s projects is the Industrial Decarbonisation for Northern Ireland (IDNI) initiative, which brings together over 200 firms, councils, and government bodies to create a comprehensive plan for reducing industrial carbon emissions. By mapping industry clusters, infrastructure, and assets, this collaborative effort aims to develop a clear roadmap for decarbonisation.

“This initiative matches industry clusters with viable solutions that can be scaled across Northern Ireland,” Rachel Sankannawar says. “It’s about creating a competitive and productive edge, producing a tangible decarbonisation plan, and advocating for future funding opportunities.” 

IDNI focuses on driving collaboration through regional clusters, where businesses can share resources, expertise, and infrastructure to address decarbonisation challenges together. With practical tools like a sustainability toolkit, a knowledge-sharing platform, and real-world examples, the initiative helps businesses reduce energy costs, improve productivity, and access green investment opportunities.

In addition to local efforts, Invest NI is showcasing Northern Ireland’s expertise globally through initiatives such as the Net Zero Exchange Programme. A delegation of 10 firms and eight stakeholders from government, academia, and business from Northern Ireland to Malaysia and Singapore to demonstrate Northern Ireland’s capabilities in clean water, hydrogen, and decarbonisation technologies. The mission opened doors for trade, collaboration, and investment opportunities, further positioning Northern Ireland as a global force in the green economy.

Closer to home, Invest NI recently partnered with Northern Ireland Water to highlight the potential for innovation and growth within the water supply chain. This collaboration highlighted opportunities within the water sector, allowing firms to drive innovation, boost productivity, and access new markets across the water supply chain.

Another key development is the establishment of the US Net Zero Advisory Board, supported by Joe Kennedy III, US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. The board leverages expertise from Northern Ireland’s diaspora to strengthen the region’s position as a global leader in green technology and net zero innovation.

Invest NI has also introduced the Energy Efficiency Capital Grant (EECG). This grant provides firms with financial support for installing energy-efficient equipment, helping firms reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and increase productivity.

“All of these efforts are underpinned by Invest NI’s new three-year business strategy, launched in November. With a target of £200m and over 700 investments,” Rachel says. “We’re approaching this with optimism and ambition – these targets are the floor, not the ceiling.”

Through these initiatives, Invest NI is enabling firms to innovate, grow, and position themselves as leaders in the global green economy while advancing Northern Ireland’s sustainable future.
 

Northern Ireland’s firms are already making their mark on the global green stage by developing cutting-edge technologies for the low-carbon economy. Wrightbus is one of the world’s biggest producers of both hydrogen and electric buses – produced at its base in Ballymena. Artemis Technologies is leading innovation in zero-emission in operation maritime vessels. At the same time, Nuada is world leading in carbon capture technology and Catagen is pioneering green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, B9 Energy Storage is exploring scalable green methanol as a zero-emission fuel for the global maritime industry.

“Thanks to our natural resources, Northern Ireland has a significant advantage in renewable fuels,” Rachel says. “We can tap into global markets like sustainable aviation fuel and green shipping corridors reinforcing Northern Ireland’s role in the global green economy.”

These achievements showcase how Northern Ireland’s firms are leveraging innovation and natural assets to lead in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
 

Northern Ireland firms are also driving innovation in unexpected ways. Plaswire repurposes wind turbine blades and end of life aircraft interiors into reusable materials for the circular economy. In Kilkeel, Sea Source a co-operative owned by NI fishermen, uses fishing vessels to guard major offshore wind assets.

Companies like CASC are expanding globally, offering precision engineering to the offshore wind sector opening offices in South Korea, Taiwan, and the US to tap into this rapidly growing market. Similarly, LoweConex, which began as an engineering firm, has evolved into a leader in developing digital energy solutions, while Lagan Energy exports expertise in hydrogen electrolysers to global decarbonisation projects.

“These firms demonstrate how Northern Ireland businesses are capitalising on green markets and positioning themselves for sustainable growth” Rachel says.

Rachel highlights the growing pressure on businesses to adopt sustainability practices, driven by regulations, customer expectations, and financing requirements. Large firms are increasingly focusing on Scope 3 supply chain emissions, passing down obligations to their suppliers. For Northern Ireland’s SME landscape, this push makes sustainability more critical than ever.

“Decarbonisation and addressing Scope 3 supply chain emissions are now crucial factors in business,” Rachel says. “Larger firms rely heavily on their supply chains to meet these goals, making it essential for businesses of all sizes to adapt. Adopting sustainability practices isn’t just good for the environment – it’s critical for staying competitive. Think of it as a passport for doing business.”

Rachel outlines two key reasons why businesses must act now:

1. Competitiveness – “Sustainability makes businesses more attractive as partners and supply chain operators.”
2. Opportunity – “For the world to decarbonise, there is a need for technologies and services that support the journey to net zero. Renewable energy, green fuels, sustainable water management, and low-carbon retrofitting are just some of the areas ripe for development.”

Mannok’s Green Hydrogen Valley project is decarbonising the cement industry, one of the most challenging sectors to make sustainable. Companies like Graham and Smiley Monroe, are embedding sustainability practices into their operations to strengthen competitiveness and drive growth.

By aligning with the global drive toward net zero, Northern Ireland firms can position themselves as leaders in sustainable innovation, accessing new markets and unlocking significant economic opportunities.

Northern Ireland’s unique position with tariff-free access to both UK and EU markets under the Windsor Framework, adds further opportunity. “We’re investing in capabilities through City Deals and centres of excellence to ensure businesses are ready to capitalise on these opportunities,” Rachel says.
 

Invest NI invites businesses to explore green opportunities and unlock their potential. “We can support your journey – whether it’s accessing new markets, growing your business, or showcasing your capabilities globally,” Rachel says.

“The green economy is not just good for the planet; it is great for business too. Northern Ireland has the talent, resources, and ambition to lead in the global green economy.”

For more information visit our Grow in the Green Economy webpage.