Northern Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition. The legislative commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, which includes ambitious 2030 decarbonisation targets, requires urgent action across all sectors of the economy.
At the recent NI Renewable Gas Conference, NI Gas Network Operators supported by representatives from the NI Electricity Sector launched a KPMG authored report titled “An Energy Consensus”.
“It is now widely recognised that both the gas and electricity sectors will be critical components of the Future NI energy system” said Kailash Chada, CEO of Phoenix Energy. “ Northern Ireland has the infrastructure, resources, and expertise to scale renewable gas production quickly. By working together, we can place a proportionate level of focus and investment in advancing both sectoral pathways”.
While energy system operators have traditionally presented their own individual pathways to net-zero, this report reflects on a more integrated approach. It sets out the shared positions and principles accepted by both the electricity and gas sectors, with the aim of strengthening the energy transition through collaboration, not competition.
Alan Campbell, CEO of SONI welcomed the report noting that “this report demonstrates that collaboration across the whole energy system is essential. By working together and aligning the strengths of electricity and gas infrastructure, we can build a clean, resilient, flexible, and future-ready energy system that serves the needs of all consumers in Northern Ireland”
The full report can be downloaded here.