RenewableNI’s “Delivering Zero Carbon Strategic Plan 2023-2028” sets out bold ambitions

“Our strategic plan, Delivering Zero Carbon Strategic Plan 2023-2028, has been embraced by 60 companies and organisations who are directly involved in turning Northern Ireland away from fossil fuels and transitioning as quickly as possible to new renewables including solar and onshore and offshore wind resources,” says RenewableNI Director Steven Agnew.

The high-level priorities contained in the plan include:

• the introduction of a renewable electricity support scheme,
• ahead of time grid investment,
• a facilitative planning system, and
• an open collaboration among policy makers, lobby groups, developers and new technologies.

Other high-level priorities are cited under four key pillars of the strategy which include the net zero system, shaping public policy infrastructure, supporting members to thrive, lead and innovate and to continue growing RenewableNI as a sustainable, trusted organisation.

“Northern Ireland’s public policy and regulatory framework needs to meet the challenge of the climate emergency, maximise renewables contribution to meeting our decarbonisation targets and support the growth of our net zero economy,” says Mr Agnew.

The strategic plan encompasses a call to action to achieve a future powered by clean energy through the adoption of 14 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At the heart of the RenewableNI strategy is a commitment to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7) by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all; and Climate Action (SDG13) through urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Steven Agnew concluded: “Increasing Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity to 80 per cent by 2030, and then achieving a net zero electricity system by 2035 is better for the NI economy, it will save consumers money, provide energy security and ensure our children live in a cleaner, greener world.  We know together we can achieve this!”