To ask the Minister for the Economy (i) for her assessment of how community energy groups can contribute to lowering the reliance on fossil fuels for energy; and (ii) whether her Department has given any assistance to such groups.

The Consultation on Policy Options for the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland provides a vision of net zero carbon and affordable energy by placing consumers at the heart of Northern Ireland’s energy future. The Consultation includes a proposal to develop a policy framework for community energy that meets the requirements of the 2019 Electricity (Recast) Directive, whilst also considering additional policy measures that could be included. These include providing access to finance, incentives and capability training to enable communities to generate, use, sell and share their energy.

While direct financial assistance has not been provided to community energy organisations, a small number have developed renewable electricity generating stations which are accredited under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation.