Menu
29/07/2011
NI Manufacturers Choose Gas Energy
Energy sources - and natural gas in particular - were in focus this week as the Stormont Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster launched a new guide designed to help local industry buy and use natural gas more efficiently.
It was jointly published by Manufacturing Northern Ireland and the Carbon Trust with the Minister commenting: "Over recent months, energy costs on world markets have been increasing and rising prices have impacted on the competitiveness of Northern Ireland companies.
"This new guide is a useful tool in helping businesses buy and use natural gas more efficiently. It highlights the importance of seeking quotations from a number of energy suppliers and provides helpful information on how to negotiate with them," she said.
Noting that manufacturing companies in NI collectively use more than 1,000 gigawatt hours of natural gas every year - that produces more than 184,000 tonnes of Co2 annually and is estimated to cost around £30m - the Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Bryan Gray said: "Energy use is one of the most significant costs for the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland.
"The cost of energy in the local market can make the difference between success and failure for a business.
"Competitive and stable energy costs are an absolute necessity in ensuring the cost base which manufacturing needs to help them compete globally.
"Northern Ireland needs manufacturing growth to help renew the local economy, restoring the growth we need to provide the jobs we need and pay for the better public services we deserve," he said, adding, "Manufacturing NI is a not-for-profit trade association which represents the interests of 500 local manufacturers across all sectors throughout Northern Ireland."
Significant
James Dunlop, Client Manager, Carbon Trust Northern Ireland also said: "The Carbon Trust recognises that manufacturing companies play a significant role in the Northern Ireland economy.
"We are working with Manufacturing Northern Ireland (MNI) to better understand and support the opportunities for energy, cost and carbon savings in the sector.
"Improved natural gas procurement and best use of natural gas will lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness for local manufacturers," he concluded, adding that The Carbon Trust receives funding from Government including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Transport, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest Northern Ireland.
(BMcC)
It was jointly published by Manufacturing Northern Ireland and the Carbon Trust with the Minister commenting: "Over recent months, energy costs on world markets have been increasing and rising prices have impacted on the competitiveness of Northern Ireland companies.
"This new guide is a useful tool in helping businesses buy and use natural gas more efficiently. It highlights the importance of seeking quotations from a number of energy suppliers and provides helpful information on how to negotiate with them," she said.
Noting that manufacturing companies in NI collectively use more than 1,000 gigawatt hours of natural gas every year - that produces more than 184,000 tonnes of Co2 annually and is estimated to cost around £30m - the Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, Bryan Gray said: "Energy use is one of the most significant costs for the manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland.
"The cost of energy in the local market can make the difference between success and failure for a business.
"Competitive and stable energy costs are an absolute necessity in ensuring the cost base which manufacturing needs to help them compete globally.
"Northern Ireland needs manufacturing growth to help renew the local economy, restoring the growth we need to provide the jobs we need and pay for the better public services we deserve," he said, adding, "Manufacturing NI is a not-for-profit trade association which represents the interests of 500 local manufacturers across all sectors throughout Northern Ireland."
Significant
James Dunlop, Client Manager, Carbon Trust Northern Ireland also said: "The Carbon Trust recognises that manufacturing companies play a significant role in the Northern Ireland economy.
"We are working with Manufacturing Northern Ireland (MNI) to better understand and support the opportunities for energy, cost and carbon savings in the sector.
"Improved natural gas procurement and best use of natural gas will lead to cost savings and improved competitiveness for local manufacturers," he concluded, adding that The Carbon Trust receives funding from Government including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department of Transport, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and Invest Northern Ireland.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
Northern Ireland's Best Areas For Broadband Revealed
West Belfast has been named the Northern Ireland area with the best broadband, according to a new study. The experts at Getac – Rugged Computing Solutions analysed data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2023 to reveal the spots with the best broadband.
Northern Ireland's Best Areas For Broadband Revealed
West Belfast has been named the Northern Ireland area with the best broadband, according to a new study. The experts at Getac – Rugged Computing Solutions analysed data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2023 to reveal the spots with the best broadband.
13 February 2006
High energy prices could result in job losses
Employees will be at risk of losing their jobs if energy prices remain high according to a SME Trends Survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The sustained high price of oil is forcing up costs for smaller manufacturers while their selling prices are weakened by low consumer demand.
High energy prices could result in job losses
Employees will be at risk of losing their jobs if energy prices remain high according to a SME Trends Survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The sustained high price of oil is forcing up costs for smaller manufacturers while their selling prices are weakened by low consumer demand.
31 October 2005
SMEs face tough short-term prospects
Higher oil and energy prices have combined with falling demand and stagnating prices to make life tough for small and medium-sized manufacturers – and the CBI say many firms fear worse is yet to come.
SMEs face tough short-term prospects
Higher oil and energy prices have combined with falling demand and stagnating prices to make life tough for small and medium-sized manufacturers – and the CBI say many firms fear worse is yet to come.
24 June 2002
Action Energy aims to help cut energy costs
Monday June 24 saw the launch of Action Energy, a Government-backed initiative which aims to help businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland cut their energy costs through the provision of free, professional advice and assistance.
Action Energy aims to help cut energy costs
Monday June 24 saw the launch of Action Energy, a Government-backed initiative which aims to help businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland cut their energy costs through the provision of free, professional advice and assistance.
16 November 2001
Energy Efficiency workshop set for Portadown
The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is set it launch its ‘Essential skills and techniques for managing energy’ workshops in Portadown on December 4.
Energy Efficiency workshop set for Portadown
The Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme is set it launch its ‘Essential skills and techniques for managing energy’ workshops in Portadown on December 4.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
