Debate contribution: Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Dr Caoimhe Archibald on 8 September 2026.

MLA: Dr Caoimhe Archibald
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 8 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Renewable Electricity Generation Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5673814

Text

I beg to move
Members will be acutely aware of the impact that volatile fossil fuel prices are having on households and businesses.
Events that are taking place far beyond our shores have had direct consequences for energy bills at home. We cannot control global fossil fuel markets, but we can reduce our dependence on them. That is why continuing to increase the amount of renewable electricity generated locally is so important.
We are making significant progress. Official statistics show that, in the 12 months to the end of June this year, 53% of electricity generated here was from renewable sources. That is an important achievement, but there is clearly more still to do. The challenge now is to create the conditions for ongoing renewable electricity investment. The Bill is designed to help us to do exactly that. It provides the legal framework for the renewable electricity price guarantee (REPG) scheme, which will provide greater price certainty for renewable electricity generators, helping to encourage investment in new renewable electricity projects. Just as importantly, the scheme is intended to help to protect consumers from the volatility associated with fossil fuel prices. The two-way contracts for difference (CFD) approach to incentivising new renewable electricity generation has been used successfully in many countries. The approach is not novel. Through our own primary legislation and associated regulations, the House will have the power to implement a scheme that builds on that successful model here while ensuring that it works for people locally. The Bill will give my Department powers to run competitive allocation rounds; designate a counter party to enter into contracts with generators; establish a supplier obligation to fund the scheme; and, crucially, require generators to make community benefit payments to those living in the vicinity of REPG-supported projects. The benefits of energy infrastructure have not always been felt by those living closest to it, but they should be. We need to bring people with us on the journey to net zero. We need a just transition. The REPG scheme will ensure that communities that host renewable electricity infrastructure share directly in the benefits that it delivers. It is not a short-term intervention; it is a long-term framework that can support the development of renewable electricity generation for decades to come. It will allow future auctions to bring forward the right technologies at the right time at a fair price for consumers. The House will be able to scrutinise the key financial elements of the scheme in detail through the subsequent subordinate regulations, ensuring that any auctions deliver value for consumers. The legislation is consistent with the need to decarbonise power, as set out in the Executive's energy strategy and enshrined in law through the Climate Change Act. It will support investment in renewable electricity generation, strengthen our energy security, ensure that communities share in the benefits of the energy transition, and help to deliver decarbonisation objectives with consumers at its heart. The Bill represents an important step towards a cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy future. Therefore, I commend it to the Assembly.

512 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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