AQW 38165/22-27

Mr David Honeyford
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 14/01/2026
Answered On Date: 10/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the rational as to why renewable energy, imported from Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, does not count towards Northern Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

Answer:

Reporting of electricity consumption and renewable generation statistics began in 2014 and has not included renewable electricity generation from either the Republic of Ireland or Scotland. In reporting to date, renewable electricity generation refers to local metered renewable generation.

The Energy Strategy committed to reviewing how this measure is calculated. A user engagement exercise took place from 4 September to 31 October 2025 (statistical user engagement paper) with the findings published on 8 January 2026 in the statistical user engagement report. These documents explain the new methodology including why renewable electricity generation from Scotland or the Republic of Ireland is not included.

The first statistical report based on the new methodology will be published in March 2026 and officials can provide further clarifications after this if required.