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Year of COP26: Spotlight on the island of Ireland

Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) which starts on 31 October, we’re looking at what we can expect from the green energy sector across the UK and Ireland. Having already addressed the Scottish and English situation, the third in our series focuses on the island of Ireland. Below we summarise the latest position across the island, what is expected throughout the rest of the year and beyond and our asks of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government.

To find out more about the Scottish and English positions, please click here.

The latest position

Northern Ireland

Climate Change Bill (December 2020)

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) sought views on policy options for a Climate Change Bill for Northern Ireland. Unlike all other parts of the UK, Northern Ireland does not have its own climate change law and is currently tackling climate change through the ‘UK Climate Change Act 2008’ which applies throughout the UK. The discussion document sought views on why local climate change legislation is a requirement, and options in relation to how net zero requirements would be met.

Ireland

Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (June 2020) 

This sets out ‘A Green New Deal’ including a revolution in renewables. Ambitious targets include 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030, decarbonising energy production, energy efficiency and retrofitting. Investment in research and development in green hydrogen is also recognised.

National Development Plan 2021-2030 (October 2021)

The publication is the largest NDP ever published by the state and focuses on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead. In relation to climate change the NDP introduces a renewable energy target of 80% by 2030. The following measures are also proposed:

  • Biggest ever investment in transport with €35 billion proposed over the decade, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport
  • 2:1 spending ratio on public transport and roads
  • €360 million a year will support 1,000 km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure by 2025
  • Commitment to increasing carbon tax to €100-per-tonne by 2030
  • €5 billion committed for investment in energy efficiency including the National Retrofit Plan to improve Ireland’s housing stock as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions
  • €1.5 billion is to go towards schemes to assist farmers in the decarbonisation of the agriculture sector
  • Commitment to upgrading the energy efficiency to B2 or higher for at least 500,000 homes 
  • Funding provision for the installation of 400,000 heat pumps

What is expected in 2021 and beyond?

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Energy Strategy 2050 

The Government is prioritising the publication of The Energy Strategy in the autumn, which will set out the policy framework for Northern Ireland (NI) and provide direction on areas such as a new renewable electricity target for NI, decarbonising energy, energy efficiency, energy for heat, power and transport and other issues such as security of supply, data, energy and the economy. The process will include extensive consultation amongst key stakeholders with the need for wide reaching engagement and debate.

Local Development Plans

The 11 Local Authorities of NI will continue with the formulation, publication and consultation of their Local Development Plans. The emergence and publication of the NI Energy Strategy will be an important factor as LDPs progress, with requirements to ensure consistency and translation of key targets into local level policies.

Review of the implementation of the Planning Act (NI) 2011

The review is currently being conducted by the Department of Infrastructure. The focus of the review is on the extent to which the original objectives of the Act (which were themselves focussed on a reform of the planning system) have been achieved with Government seeking to then retain, amend or repeal any provisions of the Act. Consultation concluded in March 2021 and the recommendations to be carried forward are due late 2021/ early 2022. Once the review is completed it will provide an important basis upon which to identify any future improvements to the operation of the planning system.

Review of regional policy

A review of the existing regional planning policies on renewable energy is expected to take place in early 2022. This policy review will play an important role in the delivery of the NI Energy Strategy objectives and the policies that will emerge within the LDPs.

Our asks

Playing catch up in Northern Ireland

In order to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, Northern Ireland requires a pipeline of projects founded within a sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure. Grid development and improvement is key to ensure projects can contribute to the network. Innovation and the ability for permissibility to adapt at speed will be required as technology develops at pace. Policy at a local level must support regional directives and the drive to net zero. As the other regions develop and adapt legislation and strategies, there is risk that Northern Ireland is left lagging behind in the drive to net zero.

Deliver for the island of Ireland

In order to achieve net zero a cross-island approach may be the most effective way forward. A partnership approach to the delivery of renewable energy and infrastructure across the island will assist in ensuring that the infrastructure constraints in Northern Ireland can be overcome.

For more information on the climate emergency, our work in the green energy sector or our work in Ireland please contact Emma Kelly (NI) or Seamus Donohoe (RoI).

25 October 2021

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