30/10/2025
The Northern Ireland Audit Office has published a damning report regarding the energy strategy in Northern Ireland.
It will be hard reading for the occupants of the energy branch in the Department of Economy.
The report highlights that the energy strategy in 2021 set out a series of objectives, but this have not been followed up by meaningful actions and those actions that have been set were badly framed (for example no meaningful timeframes or outcomes) and many have not been monitored. In addition, there was significant criticism of an over reliance on public consultation.
The report is summed up in this quote “Successful implementation requires good governance and effective oversight, and this report highlights concerning shortcomings in these areas. It has been difficult to assess whether the significant expenditure incurred to date represents value for money, and there is a risk that key targets will not be met”
There is limited reference to heat pumps and no reference to biofuels so there is limited read through for the liquid fuel sector. NIOF, OFTEC & UKIFDA have raised concerns with MLA's on the exclusion of sustainable biofuels and asked for meetings to demonstrate how our sector stands ready to offer a blended approach with HVO and kerosene as a viable decarbonisation option. See the report at:https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/files/niauditoffice/documents/2025-10/NI%20Audit%20Office%20Media%20Release%20-%20NI%20Energy%20Strategy.pdf
