Work in Progress - Strategic review of energy efficiency

In February 2020, the Northern Ireland Assembly declared a Climate Emergency and called on the Northern Ireland Executive to ‘fulfill its climate action and environmental commitments’. In December 2021, the Northern Ireland Executive launched the first Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland, ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’ and significantly in June 2022, the Climate Change Act 2022 was introduced. These two key documents set the pathway for our regional approach to meeting our net zero emissions targets by 2050. 

It is well established that the target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is extremely ambitious and the Climate Change Committee, which provides independent advice to the United Kingdom Government, stated that more needs to be done if Northern Ireland is to meet its targets. 

At the mid-point of the envisaged term of the Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland, the study will evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation and delivery of the Energy Strategy. In undertaking this study, we will examine a range of issues including:

• Action plans– including an analysis of the design of the action plans associated with the Energy Strategy; consideration of the timeliness or otherwise of actions taken on foot of the Energy Strategy and identification of any emerging themes for delays experienced. 
• Governance, monitoring and reporting – including consideration of the effectiveness of strategic governance and accountability structures; an examination of the role of the governance fora; a comparison with other jurisdictions, and consideration of any data availability in support of reporting and oversight. 
• Looking forward – consideration of emerging risks in relation to the implementation of the Energy Strategy, and implications for meeting NI’s responsibilities under the Climate Change Act 2022. 

We aim to publish this report in June 2025.