22 steps to zero carbon NI set out
Can Northern Ireland 'decarbonise' by 2050?
Last updated 20th Jan 2022
An action plan to reduce Northern Irleand’s energy emissions by more than 50 per cent by 2030 has been published.
It follows last month's publication of the Path to Net Zero Energy which outlined a road map to deliver the 2050 vision of net zero carbon and affordable energy.
The 22 point list includes a £10m green innovation fund, producing 1GW of offshore wind energy, a hydrogen centre of excellence and one-stop shop for energy advice.
It is also hoped the plans will create many jobs in the so-called “green economy”.
Today NIE Networks was the first major provider to align to the new strategy, announcing 110 new jobs after a £50m investment in the electricity network with opportunities for engineers, designers, apprentices and operational posts.
The company says it is part of a significant investment which will focus on the rollout of clean energy infrastructure.
The Economy Minister unveiled the new action plan today (Thursday) at W5’s Energise exhibition in Belfast, at the same time as the jobs announcement.
Representatives of NIE Networks, the Housing Executive, the Consumer Council, National Energy Action and the Utility Regulator were all in attendance, which the Minister welcomed.
“A collaborative approach is vital to putting affordability front and centre of our new strategy and action plan,” said Gordon Lyons.
“We will take an energy-efficiency-first approach which will help consumers reduce the energy they use and therefore minimise their energy bills.
“The action plan maps out the best route to ensuring people will live and work in more energy efficient buildings, whilst helping some of the most vulnerable in society to live in warmer homes, reduce ill-health and ultimately save lives. "
🍃Here’s the full list of action points that Stormont departments to achieve the goal of 56 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. 👇
- Produce a detailed plan with timescales for kicking off a a one stop shop for energy information, advice and support scheme delivery.
- Establish a cross-departmental group to develop and deliver actions to reduce fuel poverty.
- Call for evidence on protection for consumers during energy decarbonisation .
- Deliver £10m of funding through a new Green Innovation Challenge Fund.
- Carry out an Energy Skills Audit for energy decarbonisation.
- Develop a business case to deliver a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.
- Launch a domestic energy efficiency scheme.
- Launch a non-domestic energy efficiency scheme.
- Deliver additional funding for central government energy efficiency projects.
- Establish minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector.
- Improve the energy efficiency of new buildings.
- Consult on a renewable electricity support scheme in 2022 for delivery in 2023.
- Review permitted development legislation for low carbon heat installations to ensure it is up to date and fit for purpose.
- Develop an action plan to deliver 1GW of off-shore wind from 2030.
- Develop and start delivery of low carbon heat demonstrator projects.
- Develop and get stuck into the delivery of a geothermal demonstrator project.
- Establish a cross-departmental working group on biomethane production.
- Publish an Electric Vehicle infrastructure action plan.
- Prepare a Northern Ireland Smart Systems and Flexibility Plan.
- Carry out a cost benefit analysis of electricity and gas smart meters and other technologies.
- Review laws around energy decarbonisation goals.
- Build evidence and understanding on the links across our whole energy system.