To ask the Minister for the Economy, in relation to the New Energy strategy, to detail (i) the specific areas in which the green economy and in particular green energy is likely to create employment; and (ii) what steps she is taking to ensure workers in Northern Ireland will be equipped with the skills required by these employment opportunities.

Decarbonising energy will provide many opportunities to create wealth through investment and jobs whilst ensuring our environment is sustainable. Last month I launched a consultation on the new Energy Strategy with ‘Growing a Green Economy’ as one of five principles of the Strategy. This is also a key pillar of my Economic Recovery Action Plan.

Through these strategic plans, we have the opportunity to develop new clean energy technologies, embrace innovation and support new skills as part of a low carbon workforce. Building on the Economic Recovery Action Plan that I published in February, proposed areas of focus in the Energy Strategy Options Consultation include energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the development and growth of our circular and hydrogen economies.

The Energy Strategy Options Consultation identifies skills as a key priority to develop the skills needed for new jobs within the clean energy sector. This includes training and education opportunities through apprenticeships, as well as further and higher education routes. We will also consider measures to re-skill and re-train the workforce impacted by the transition from fossil fuels. The Options Consultation incudes a proposal to establish an Energy Skills Forum to shape skills development for our emerging low carbon workforce. I will also soon be bringing forward a consultation on a new Skills Strategy which will outline the strategic priorities for skills development in meeting the needs of the economy.

All of these important policy proposals are discussed in more detail in the Energy Strategy policy options consultation. I would encourage you and your constituents to respond to help inform out net zero energy future.