Findings of Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland inquiry published
23 May 2024
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has published the findings of its Renewable Energy in Northern Ireland inquiry.
- Correspondence to the Minister for the Economy, relating to Renewable Energy and Net Zero in Northern Ireland, 23 May 2024
- Inquiry: Renewable Energy and Net Zero in Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Northern Ireland is committed to generate 80% of its energy consumption from renewable energy by 2030, but the Committee noted that it was unlikely to meet the target in a letter to interim Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey.
Writing to Ms Hargey, Committee Chair Sir Robert Buckland drew out three key themes identified by witnesses to the inquiry that are obstructing Northern Ireland’s energy transition along with some ideas to remedy them:
- Inadequate infrastructure to support NI’s net zero transition, where the Committee cautioned that NI should rely on a broader renewable energy strategy;
- An unsupportive policy environment, including a disjointed planning system “weighed down with delays”; and
- A lack of consumer awareness.
The inquiry’s report, which began before Stormont was restored in February, had been due to be published this summer, but news of the General Election meant that the Committee felt compelled to publish the findings it had today.
Further information
Image: House of Commons