THE long-awaited new Northern Ireland energy strategy has set a target for at least 70 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2030, before phasing out the use of fossil fuels altogether by 2050.
The paper - which was due to have been published earlier this year and certainly ahead of the Cop26 Glasgow summit in November - sets the target of delivering energy savings of 25 per cent from buildings and industry by 2030.
By meeting the 70 per cent target of consumption from a diverse mix of renewable sources, it will also double the size of the low carbon and renewable energy economy in the north to a turnover of more than £2 billion by the end of this decade.
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said the 'Path to Net Zero' strategy would ensure the north's energy is secure, affordable and clean for future generations.
He said: "Recent energy price rises are impacting on every person and business here, and it's happening because of the global price volatility that comes with fossil fuels.
"This new strategy sets out how we will work towards phasing out fossil fuels, ending this volatility and ensuring that more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy and helps to create wealth and jobs.
"It sets out a path to 2030 that will mobilise the skills, technologies and behaviours needed to take us towards net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050."
Energy accounts for almost 60 per cent of Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions, and the strategy sets the target of delivering energy savings of 25 per cent from buildings and industry by 2030.
Mr Lyons added: "By setting and achieving these targets, we are putting ourselves on a path to transform how we develop and consume energy.
"Decarbonising energy means achieving so much more than carbon reductions.
"We are already world leaders in integrating renewable electricity generation and we can also become world leaders in the new hydrogen economy. We will play to our strengths.
"Our world-leading engineering sector will be at the centre of this."
The new strategy was developed with collaboration and engagement across government, industry, and energy consumers.
Steven Agnew, head of RenewableNI, said: "We fully support this strategy's ambition to deliver wholly decarbonised electricity as a core enabler of a net zero carbon and affordable energy system."
