AQO 3449/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 26/03/2026
Answered On Date: 21/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on her Department’s efforts to develop citizen energy communities, which contribute to renewable energy production, as referenced in her Ministerial Statement on 2 March 2026.

Answer:

The development of citizen energy communities is an important part of my Department’s Energy Strategy and our commitment to putting people at the heart of the energy transition.

As I set out in my Ministerial Statement on 2 March 2026, here in the North we have taken a leadership role in the BritishIrish Council Energy Work Sector on the theme of Public Acceptance. This includes supporting opportunities for citizens and communities to participate directly in local energy generation and consumption, increasing renewable energy use while delivering social and economic benefits at a local level.

Following the BritishIrish Council Energy Ministerial meeting in February, my officials are actively working with colleagues across the member administrations to share learning and best practice on community and citizenled energy initiatives, and to explore how barriers to delivery can be addressed.

My Department is considering how citizen energy communities can support the wider delivery of the Energy Strategy, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels, tackling energy poverty and supporting a just transition.