‘Time Running Out’ to Deliver Northern Ireland's Energy Strategy Warns Public Accounts Committee

In a report published today, an Assembly Committee has warned time is running out if key targets within the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy are to be met by 2030.

The Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) new report follows an Inquiry into the Department for the Economy's (DfE) delivery of the Energy Strategy - and builds on concerns previously raised by the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO).

The Path to Net Zero Energy is an Executive-wide Energy Strategy published in 2021 and led by the DfE. It sets out a long-term vision of self-sufficiency and affordable net zero carbon energy to support economic growth*.

In the course of its Inquiry, PAC heard a consistent message from business and energy sector representatives that uncertainty around future policies, support mechanisms and delivery timescales was affecting investment decisions.

The Committee heard concerns that investment could be diverted to Great Britain, Ireland and other European markets where policy frameworks, support schemes and delivery timelines were seen as more certain – and there was a risk Northern Ireland could lose out on significant economic opportunities if action was not accelerated.

PAC Members said it was unacceptable that delays and a lack of clarity were affecting investor confidence and holding back projects which could support economic growth, create jobs and strengthen energy security.

Daniel McCrossan MLA, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee said: "The Energy Strategy presents a major economic opportunity for Northern Ireland. It has the potential to attract investment, create jobs, improve energy security and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

"However, opportunities will not wait indefinitely. The evidence we heard pointed to growing frustration among businesses and investors over delays, policy uncertainty and a lack of clarity around delivery. Government has a responsibility to create the conditions needed for investment to proceed, otherwise there is a real risk it will go elsewhere.”

The Committee welcomed recent improvements in reporting and transparency, but said the clear message from stakeholders was that delivery must be prioritised.

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 £124 million of public money has been spent on energy-related programmes and Energy Group staffing costs since 2020. We need assurances that Northern Ireland is on track.”

While the Department consulted widely during development of the Strategy, the Committee found that significant weaknesses had undermined its implementation.

PAC Members heard evidence that annual Energy Strategy Action Plans did not link actions to targets and those actions were often unclear about timescales, measurable outcomes or accountability.

Tom Buchanan MLA, Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee said: "The next four years are critical. We need to see decisive action, stronger oversight and a clear focus on results. It is disappointing that weaknesses previously identified by the NIAO continue to affect planning, governance and reporting, undermining transparency and stakeholder confidence.

"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 Energy Strategy's ambition of a £2 billion green economy, Members said the challenge was turning ambition into measurable results so that Northern Ireland could realise the investment, jobs and wider benefits promised by the transition to net zero.

Ends

 

For further information please contact Felicity Templeton, Communications Office on 07977 635930 or felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk

• *It aims to reduce energy consumption from buildings and industry by 25% and ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption comes from renewable sources as well as aiming to double turnover in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy to £2 billion.
• The Public Accounts Committee will hold an event to mark the release of its report on the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy on Thursday 22 October between 1.00pm- 2.30pm in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings. You are invited to make reporting arrangements.
• PAC’s inquiry was informed by a 2025 publication from the Northern Ireland Audit Office
• The Committee received oral briefings and written evidence from the Department for the Economy. It also considered evidence from business and energy sector organisations, including responses to a call for views and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Powering Progress on Energy report published in January 2026.
• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a Standing Committee. It is PAC’s statutory function to consider the accounts, and reports on accounts laid before the Assembly. Further information on the Committee Membership, its work and remit can be found her