A deadline for the Department of Economy to introduce new programs for homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency has passed.
As part of ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the programs were scheduled to go into effect by the end of 2022.
According to the department, it became apparent following consultation that a pilot program for homes in 2022 would not be practical.
Officials are currently "progressing the development of a multi-year energy efficiency intervention program," it was further stated. ".
Finding out how much money will be required for a successful plan to insulate homes is a part of that work.
A program for businesses would be introduced in 2023, according to the department.
A report on the implementation of Stormont's energy strategy contains the specifics.
The Stormont Executive approved the strategy at the end of 2021 with the intention of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a robust energy system.
It outlines a strategy for reducing energy-related emissions, primarily carbon dioxide emissions, by 56% by 2030.
Nine low carbon heat technology demonstrator projects have started, signaling some progress in some areas.
With the Crown Estate, which manages access to the seabed, a statement of intent has been reached and a draft action plan for developing offshore windfarms has been made public.
The strategy calls for new laws to be passed in order to implement some of its recommendations, like making it easier to install heat pumps under planning regulations.
In light of the absence of a Northern Ireland Assembly, it is unclear when those legal modifications can be made.
The UK's climate watchdog stated last year that Stormont was demonstrating admirable ambition but would require "a major step-up" in execution.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) cautioned that if implementation and delivery were not prioritized right away, Northern Ireland's net zero target would "lose credibility."
