AQW 16963/17-22 Written question to the Minister for the Economy

To ask the Minister for the Economy how often reviews will be carried out to ensure that Northern Ireland is on target to meet her Department’s ambition of achieving 70% renewable generation by 2030.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 26 March 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
26 March 2021
Answer due by
14 April 2021
Answered
6 May 202141 days after tabling
Department
Department for the Economy
Priority question
No

Answer

The new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland will include the Executive’s renewable electricity ambition. The strategy will be formally reviewed every five years, with mid-term reviews to assist with re-scoping priorities, re-assessing cost impacts and taking account of new technologies.

Reviews on progress of the previous 40% renewable electricity target by 2020 continues to be monitored on the basis of the proportion of electricity consumption generated from renewable sources, and outcomes are published by NISRA on a quarterly basis.

The methodology and frequency of monitoring for the new renewable electricity target will be dependent on the definition of the measure adopted and the frequency of supporting data. This will be informed by responses to the Energy Strategy consultation that was published on 31 March.

Official sources