Time is running out to meet key targets within Stormont’s energy strategy by 2030, a committee has said.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report followed an inquiry into the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) delivery of the net zero strategy.
The PAC heard that Northern Ireland could lose out on significant economic opportunities if action was not speeded up.
Committee chair Daniel McCrossan said the government had a “responsibility to create the conditions needed for investment to proceed, otherwise there is a real risk it will go elsewhere”.
During its inquiry, the PAC heard from business and energy sector representatives that uncertainty around future policies and delivery timescales was affecting investment decisions.
It heard investment could be diverted to Great Britain, Ireland and other European markets where existing factors were seen as more certain.
PAC members said it was unacceptable that delays were affecting projects which could support economic growth, create jobs and strengthen energy security.
