To ask the Minister for the Economy whether his Department has considered the introduction of grants for energy conservation projects such as (i) insulation; (ii) heat pumps; (iii) solar panels; and (iv) any other method of improving energy efficiency for households.

My department is currently preparing a consultation on evidence-based options for a domestic energy efficiency programme in line with Action 4 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support. In the interim, the department is working with partners such as the Utility Regulator to assess the options for further scaling of up existing energy efficiency programmes.

My department is also preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 set out a target of 80% of electricity consumption to be from renewable sources by 2030.

Essential to meeting this target will be the establishment of a support scheme for renewable electricity as outlined in the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2022 and 2023. My officials are currently working on a scheme design that will incentivise investment in larger scale renewable electricity projects. Options for microgeneration support, including domestic renewable generation such as solar panels, will continue to be evaluated as part of our net zero ambitions.

Homeowners may wish to seek independent advice on solar panels, heat pumps and other energy efficiency matters from organisations such as the NI Energy Advice Service, the Energy Saving Trust and Citizen’s Advice. These technologies have the potential to provide an attractive payback to homeowners without grant support.

Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy - 2023 Action Plan Report (economy-ni.gov.uk)