Northern Ireland’s Gas Network Operators are committed to the full decarbonisation of the regional gas network.
Today we are announcing 5 near-term commitments to support the sustainable introduction of renewable gases in Northern Ireland. We believe successfully delivering these least-regret commitments will lead to a step change in the decarbonisation of Northern Ireland’s homes, businesses and wider energy system.
But we can’t do it alone. We need support from industry, policy and public sector stakeholders to unlock the economic, decarbonisation and environmental benefits associated with producing and utilising renewable gases in Northern Ireland.
Support Required
- The effective and timely provision of regulatory Energy Strategy Funding, for the NI gas network operators tocollectively advance technical, market and regulatory readiness of decarbonisation solutions.
- Strategic leadership from NI Executive and government departments to embed a culture of green innovation within the local economy, to include centres of excellence, flagship projects, ring fenced green growth.
Our Commitments
- From 2024, we stand ready to significantly increase our investment in research projects which help accelerate the energy transition, using best in class learning and NI’s world-class research institutions.
- Champion and support the green investment opportunities that exist in NI, attracting new market participants and supply chain investment opportunitiesthat align to the NI 10X Delivery Plan.
Our Commitments
- Between 2023 and 2028 Distribution Network Operators will invest a further £150m in developing gas network connections – representing a further c.72,000 properties
connecting to the gas network – reducing carbon emissions by up to an additional c.165,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2030.
- Distribution Network Operators will champion energy efficiency advice at the time of all new domestic gas connections, educating and advocating that connecting householders also undertake thermal efficiency enhancement, with a target of 50% uptake by 2026
Support Required
- Continued regulatory support for the ongoing growth of gas network connections and implementation of
renewable gas market solutions.
- Urgent implementation of a suitably funded NI Executive led Energy Efficiency Programme to provide awareness, support and guidance to energy users. To include effective support schemes that target both low income and able to pay householders.
Our Commitments
- By 2030 1.5TWh of Biomethane will be injected into the NI Gas Network annually.
Support Required
- Urgent development of a NI Biomethane Action Plan, that sets out a clear regional ambition and pathway to achieving interim milestones, and which helps to stimulate wider enabling supply chains.
- A targeted market mechanism that aids the transition of large energy user volumes to biomethane solutions.
Our Commitments
- By 2028 the gas network in NI will meet all relevant technical and regulatory standards to accept both hydrogen blend imports and locally produced hydrogen injection.
- By 2028, working with sectoral partners, complete a full technical and commercial assessment, evaluating a strategically sited regional ‘Hydrogen Valley’ that will connect strategic hydrogen production
Our Commitments
- Establish a long-term strategic gas system planningframework, which would interact on a cross sector basis, including with NI’s electricity operators to promote an integrated whole energy system approach.
- By 2026, Distribution Network Operators will have commenced extensive Hybrid Heating early adopter activity across owner occupier/social and small commercial properties.
