Time is running out to meet key targets within Stormont's energy strategy by 2030, a committee has said. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report followed an inquiry into the Department for the Economy's (DfE) delivery of the net zero strategy. The PAC heard that Northern Ireland could lose out on significant economic opportunities if action was not speeded up.
Committee chair Daniel McCrossan said the government had a "responsibility to create the conditions needed for investment to proceed, otherwise there is a real risk it will go elsewhere". During its inquiry, the PAC heard from business and energy sector representatives that uncertainty around future policies and delivery timescales was affecting investment decisions. It heard investment could be diverted to Great Britain, Ireland and other European markets where existing factors were seen as more certain.
PAC members said it was unacceptable that delays were affecting projects which could support economic growth, create jobs and strengthen energy security. Published in 2021, the NI energy strategy included a plan to fully decarbonise by 2050 and ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption comes from renewable sources. McCrossan, said that despite the strategy presenting a major economic opportunity for Northern Ireland, the evidence heard "pointed to growing frustration among businesses and investors over delays, policy uncertainty and a lack of clarity around delivery".
The PAC chair added: "Our message is clear - there can be no further delays. We want to see barriers removed so that delivery can be accelerated. "Almost £124m of public money has been spent on energy-related programmes, since 2020.
We need assurances that Northern Ireland is on track." He said that despite the DfE "consulting widely" during the development of the strategy, the PAC found "that significant weaknesses had undermined its implementation". PAC deputy chair Tom Buchanan said: "The next four years are critical. We need to see decisive action, stronger oversight and a clear focus on results.
"Our report makes 11 recommendations, including the publication and regular updating of the department's Energy Policy Statement. Funded plans must also be brought forward to address grid, infrastructure and energy storage constraints." While the committee noted the department's confidence in achieving the strategy's ambition of a £2bn green economy, members said the challenge was turning ambition into results so that Northern Ireland could realise the investment, jobs and wider benefits promised by the transition to net zero. Renewable energy in NI reaches record level What does the new draft Climate Action Plan mean for NI?
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