Renewables: Powering investment, jobs, and growth
Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity sector is no longer just a climate or energy story; it is one of the most important economic opportunities of our generation, writes Mark Richardson, Director of RenewableNI.
As 2027 approaches, the sector is moving from policy asks to legislative delivery. The tabling of the Renewable Electricity Generation Bill (REGB) at Second Stage in the Assembly last week was an important milestone. It is a step towards creating the investment certainty needed to turn projects in planning into energy security, jobs, contracts, and long-term regional value.
Equally welcome is the Committee for the Economy launching its call for evidence on the Bill following first stage. That reflects the importance of delivering the primary legislation during this Assembly mandate. At the committee session on the Bill, the Department for the Economy Energy Team announced that the terms and conditions timetable has been pushed back to 2027 so the consultation can align with the financial details of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee scheme, which the Bill will enable.
Ensuring renewable ambition becomes energy delivery, RenewableNI will bring developers, investors, and policymakers together at Smart Energy, our flagship conference on 18 February 2027. If we are to secure energy resilience and economic opportunities, we need the partnerships, certainty and policy detail that allow capital to move, supply chains to prepare and communities to share in the benefits.
We cannot afford to let momentum stall once the REGB is through.
Looking further ahead, the Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI) Bill represents Northern Ireland’s next great opportunity, unlocking a resource that will build on our onshore success and open a new chapter for ports, engineering, skills, and supply chains. Work on the offshore legislation must continue during this mandate so progress is maintained and opportunities are not lost following the election.
RenewableNI’s recent report, Our Energy Security, conducted by KPMG, puts the potential contribution of onshore wind and solar PV in Northern Ireland at up to £479 million in annual economic output and around 3,150 jobs.
In 2025, Northern Ireland avoided
£219 million in gas costs due to renewable electricity. Projects provide long-term contributions to rates income for Stormont and councils, community benefit funds and work for local businesses. For rural areas, this investment supports local employers, sustains skilled jobs and creates opportunities for people to build their careers locally.
With the right legislative and policy framework, Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity sector can deliver energy security, private investment, skilled jobs, and long-term benefits for communities and the wider economy.
At RenewableNI, we are working with our members and engaging government, regulators, and stakeholders to help make that happen.
E: info@RenewableNI.com
W: www.RenewableNI.com
