It follows reports from a leading energy consultancy firm that Northern Ireland will miss its 2030 Net Zero targets by at least two years, with delays in planning and construction of new infrastructure at the heart of the problem.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: “I have repeatedly raised the need to redevelop our energy infrastructure to allow for the expansion and connection of wind and solar energy. I have also called for reform of the planning laws to be an absolute priority if we are to build the infrastructure we need.

“The planning and building of that new infrastructure must happen now. The ageing network based on our three existing power stations is past its sell-by-date, and failure to replace the old network is simply storing up a massive, costly problem for the future.

“Central to this issue is the need for the Economy Minister to set out a new Energy Strategy, and to include changing the remit of the Utility Regulator to cover Net Zero targets, in reflection of the key role it has to play in achieving them.

“Climate change remains a vital issue for Northern Ireland and the world, and not acting now will come at a huge cost to our children’s lives and the future of the planet.