To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline the timescale for the Energy Strategy, referred to in New Decade, New Approach.

A Call for Evidence paper was published in December 2019, seeking to gather information and providing opportunity for stakeholder input into the direction of the new strategy. Following analysis of replies, a draft options paper for the Energy Strategy will be published for consultation later in 2020. Once the analysis of the consultation responses has taken place, a draft Energy Strategy will be prepared for Ministerial consideration by the end of 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. A new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland is being developed in the context of the UK’s legislative target of net zero carbon by 2050. The Department has already undertaken significant work in relation to the development of a new Energy Strategy, engaging with key industry players and other stakeholders.