Turning policy into action
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as the UK transitions to net zero.
In the wake of the IPCC’s latest report into the impacts of climate change, it is more important than ever that politicians continue to show leadership in this area. There are three key issues that we believe should be addressed in Northern Ireland:
Fabric first energy efficiency
A “fabric first” approach is an essential element of any retrofit investment programme. Creating a more energy efficient house requires both behavioural changes and possible retrofit upgrades which could include switching to a low carbon heating system, such as a heat pump, topping up insulation, installing energy efficient windows or investing in smart heating controls.
We know through our work with local financial institutions that effective energy modelling can also help improve energy efficiency. This approach runs, tests and models’ different scenarios to find the most effective energy investment solution.
Renewables integration and opportunities
Northern Ireland has an excellent potential for growth and integration of renewable energy. It is already having a profound effect on the electricity sector and there are plans in place to double generation by 2030.
Significant challenges remain. Key to solving these will be the roll out of smart meters and development of flexible tariff options to match energy consumption to periods of abundant energy, enabling various storage options.
At Energy Saving Trust, we believe that heat pumps are a key part of the solution for homes that are off the gas grid, as well as an attractive and increasingly cost-effective option thanks to their efficiency. A Craigavon firm with aims to drive down costs of heat pumps recently attracted significant investment from a major UK utility, and with local manufacture, access to and awareness of this technology should improve.
More businesses such as ‘The Electric Storage Company’ are emerging and providing flexibility services, energy storage, and data acquisition and our EV network is expanding significantly which will enable a wider transition to renewable energy. Use of our modern gas network for biomethane injection and hydrogen studies will also indicate possible further opportunities.
Fuel poverty
A just transition to a decarbonised economy is vital. With 43,800 households in Northern Ireland considered to be in extreme fuel poverty prior to recent cost increases, the situation is worsening.
Energy Saving Trust is the Programme Administrator of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) on behalf of the Utility Regulator. The programme oversees an £8 million fund, 80 per cent of which is dedicated to supporting vulnerable customers, improving the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock and reducing energy bills for many householders.
Huge challenges and opportunities exist for our new Assembly members, and we will continue to advocate for policy development aimed at a just transition to a net zero society.
For more Information please visit
www.est.org.uk
Robert McCreery
Policy Officer
Energy Saving Trust
E: Robert.McCreery@est.org.uk
