Another busy year for RenewableNI on the public affairs front. In January, Director Steven Agnew gave evidence to Westminster’s Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on the progress NI has made to date in its energy transition journey. In spring, RenewableNI gave evidence at both the Economy and Infrastructure Committees, on the considerable economic potential of accelerating renewables and the need for a more facilitative and ambitious planning system, respectively.

RenewableNI continued to work closely with DfE’s Energy team, briefing the 80 by 30 group, participating in the Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan Steering Group, and collaborating with the department’s renewable electricity team on outstanding issues ahead of the final design for the future renewable electricity support scheme being finalised.

The RenewableNI leadership team met with both the Infrastructure and Economy Ministers in the summer, raising the pressing issue of dispatch down with Minister Murphy. Engagement with elected representatives from all parties was ongoing with RenewableNI attendance at NI Chamber Public Affairs forum. In Camera events with Ministers and MPs, party conferences, the North West Energy Conference and the Clean Revolution Offshore Wind Industry event at Stormont.

Continued and productive engagement with key wider industry stakeholders was important throughout the year. RenewableNI met with SONI regularly through roundtables, workshops and briefings to advance key issues. RenewableNI held quarterly briefings with both the Utility Regulator and a senior team from Northern Ireland Electricity Networks. RenewableNI was also represented on DfE’s Green Skills Taskforce and the CBI NI Infrastructure Working Group.