A Greener Future

With just seven years left to meet our ambitious 2030 climate change targets, 2023 must be a year of action to drive green growth. Against the backdrop of a challenging fiscal environment, now more than ever we need the private sector to step in and play its part in delivering the low carbon transition and in doing so, creating a new-look inclusive, digital and sustainable economy.

From world-leading renewable generation to sustainable transport technology, Northern Ireland has significant potential, having achieved so much already in driving green innovation at home and around the globe. However, if we are to attract the investment and funding needed to reach our true potential, we must be competitive both as a UK region and on the island of Ireland.

Rising energy costs have been a challenge for businesses and households across Northern Ireland. Forecasts for 2023 and beyond suggest this will be an ongoing battle that government and business will need to tackle together.

While it is difficult now, this crisis should focus our minds on the prize of the ambitious climate targets which have been set in both the Climate Change Act and the Energy Strategy. Achieving 80% renewable generation by 2030 is a key piece in the jigsaw for cleaner, cheaper and more secure sources of energy. It is doable but we need a number of policy reforms to make that happen – from grid connection to planning.

Last year we had the statutory planning review, the Northern Ireland Audit Office report and the Public Accounts Committee report looking at various aspects of our planning system. A consistent theme was that the current system was not working for our people, our planet or our economy. 2023 is a year in which that needs to change, not least to enable those sustainable projects that will be critical for the low carbon transition.

This region’s long-term economic prosperity hinges to a large extent on developing a skilled and inclusive workforce that is adequately resourced for a green, digital future. Right now, we have a shortage of people and skills which is negatively impacting productivity and growth.

When it comes to the skills challenge, so many of the answers lie in improving collaboration and communication.

According to PwC, in 2021 Northern Ireland saw its number of green jobs double. To continue on that trajectory we need to accelerate investment to plug the skills gaps in green professional and scientific roles, as well as green trades like retrofitting. As a priority, 2023 must be a year when the funding landscape is clarified. From the Shared Prosperity Fund to numerous other initiatives, businesses need clarity on what funding is available to meet their future skills needs.

We know that 2023 will be a challenging year for the Department of Economy’s budget but given the skills crisis, policymakers must strain every sinew to ensure our further and higher education sectors are adequately resourced to support the vision for an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy of the future.

Gillian McAuley, President, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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