Kinecx Energy unveils new brand and vision for a lower carbon future

Kinecx Energy Chairman Dr David Dobbin (second from left) and Kinecx Energy Chief Executive Officer Niall Martindale (second from right) pictured at the company’s annual Stakeholder Briefing with guest speakers Lucy Field of AFRY Management Consulting and Richard Ramsey, Professor of Practice in Economics and Policy at Queen’s University Belfast.

Kinecx Energy, formerly known as firmus energy networks, has officially launched its new brand identity and renewed strategic vision as part of Northern Ireland’s transition to a lower-carbon future.

The announcement was made during the company’s annual stakeholder briefing at Galgorm Hotel and Spa in County Antrim, where industry experts and partners gathered to hear about Kinecx Energy’s transformative year and future ambitions.

The rebrand follows the sale of the company’s retail business in November 2024, marking what Chief Executive Niall Martindale described as “a strategic opportunity to refresh our ambitions as a standalone networks business with a bold new identity.”

“Our new name and branding reflect our refreshed ambitions and reinvigorate our commitment to a lower carbon future,” said Mr Martindale. “While our name has changed, our core values and dedication to customer service remain stronger than ever.”

Driving the Energy Transition

Operating from Antrim with a team of around 65 employees, Kinecx Energy has already invested approximately £250 million in its world-class gas network, which now reaches 200,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland — from Derry-Londonderry to Newry. Around 75,000 properties have already connected to the network.

The company outlined two core ambitions shaping its future strategy:

1. Connecting the remaining 125,000 properties to natural gas — a key step in Northern Ireland’s energy transition.

   
   

2. Accelerating the integration of biomethane into the network to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Typically, each conversion from oil to gas reduces household CO₂ emissions by around 50%, positioning natural gas as an “effective, low-regret choice” for homeowners, Mr Martindale explained.

Renewable Gas and Biomethane Integration

Recent industry research, including a Request for Information (RfI) carried out in 2024, found that biomethane could meet 100% of current demand within Kinecx Energy’s network area.

Across Northern Ireland, the potential for biomethane production is estimated at 3.5TWh, representing nearly half of the region’s current natural gas demand.

Despite the absence of formal government policy, Kinecx Energy is already taking action.

In May 2025, the company signed its first Connection Agreement with Greenan Generation Ltd for a biomethane plant in Eglinton, which will supply around 8% of network demand in the northwest.

“In May this year, we took a major step forward in our renewable gas ambitions by signing our first biomethane connection agreement with a producer in the northwest of our network area,” said Mr Martindale.

“This agreement paves the way for the first direct injection of biomethane into our grid and a future where more of our gas supply comes from local, renewable sources.”

Preparing for the Next Phase

Kinecx Energy Chairman Dr David Dobbin (left) and Kinecx Energy Chief Executive Officer Niall Martindale pictured at the company’s annual Stakeholder Briefing which was held at Galgorm Hotel and Spa in Ballymena, County Antrim.

Looking ahead, Kinecx Energy is developing its GD29 business plan, due in mid-2027, and collaborating closely with industry partners to address network constraints and advocate for supportive biomethane policies.

“Our business has always been built on strong values,” Mr Martindale added. “As Kinecx Energy, we are ready to play a critical role in Northern Ireland’s energy transition and look forward to working with our stakeholders on this exciting journey.”

The event also featured insights from Lucy Field of AFRY Management Consulting, who provided analysis of the gas and electricity markets, and Professor Richard Ramsey of Queen’s University Belfast, who discussed regional economic trends and global trade dynamics.

Closing the event, Chairman Dr David Dobbin highlighted how biomethane can help decarbonise Kinecx Energy’s operations and support Northern Ireland’s wider Energy Strategy.

“Continued support from the Utility Regulator and Northern Ireland Executive to promote switching from more polluting fossil fuels remains critical if we are to meet our collective climate goals,” Dr Dobbin said.

“We will continue to support the DfE’s work to develop a biomethane policy framework, and remain committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including DAERA, the Utility Regulator, and local producers, to accelerate progress.”

For more information about Kinecx Energy, visit www.kinecxenergy.co.uk