Next steps for energy policy in NI – the Energy Strategy, just transition, modernisation, security of supply, customers, and the future market

This conference focuses on priorities for energy policy in Northern Ireland, including:

– aims for decarbonising the energy sector by 2050
– the way forward for the energy market and energy suppliers, looking at regulation, competition, reliability, and affordability
– core challenges around fuel poverty and security of supply

It is timed as an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine the new Northern Ireland Energy Strategy, following its publication by the Department for the Economy on 16th December, to assess its aims and highlight key issues for implementation.

We expect discussion to bring out latest thinking on the Strategy’s key areas of focus, including:

– the energy system – what is required for setting achievable decarbonisation targets, a just transition in NI, and an optimal energy mix to serve demands in electricity, heat, and transport
– futureproofing – priorities for infrastructure development and demand-side management that are fit for changing consumer behaviour and can cope with long-term pressures on the energy system

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Professor John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action, Queens University Belfast; John French, Chief Executive, Utility Regulator; and Richard Rogers, Head of Energy, Department for the Economy.

Overall, areas for discussion include:

– implementing the new Northern Ireland Energy Strategy, key issues for delivery, and the 2050 vision
– decarbonisation, the transformation of the energy grid, and new climate change legislation
– next steps for the NI energy market, regulatory challenges, competitiveness, and sustainability
– the future for energy infrastructure in Northern Ireland and security of supply
– ensuring quality and affordable service for customers and developing a modern regulatory framework

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from DAERA, NI; the Department for Communities, NI; the Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; NI Assembly; NIAO; the NIEA; Department of Environment, Climate & Communications, ROI; BEIS; and the DfE.