To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on progress in relation to the provision of financial support schemes for the installation of (i) domestic heat pumps; and (i) any other domestic renewable energy sources.

My department is currently preparing a public consultation on a low carbon heat support scheme in line with Action 8 of the Energy Strategy Action Plan for 2023. The outcome of this consultation will help to inform options regarding the design, rules, and guidance of future support for low carbon heating technologies which will include heat pumps.

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 set out a target of 80% of electricity consumption to be from renewable sources in the north of Ireland by 2030. Essential to meeting this target will be the establishment of a support scheme for renewable electricity.

Departmental officials are currently working on a scheme design that will incentivise investment in larger scale renewable electricity projects ensuring consumers pay a fair price for electricity produced locally.

Options for microgeneration support, including domestic renewable generation such as solar panels, will continue to be evaluated as part of our net zero ambitions.

Independent advice on solar panels, heat pumps and other energy efficiency matters is available from organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust. These technologies have the potential to provide an attractive payback to businesses without grant support.