Cleaver Fulton Rankin hosted its latest Policy Eye energy roundtable in partnership with the Electricity Association of Ireland, supported by Chambré Public Affairs, on Friday, 21 November 2025.
The event brought together senior leaders from government, regulation, system operation, and industry to examine critical electricity grid challenges and opportunities linked to Northern Ireland’s Energy Strategy. Participants included representatives from the Utility Regulator, Department for Economy, Department for Infrastructure, Mutual Energy, KPMG, SONI, Energia Renewables, and NIE Networks.
The discussion focused on the concrete steps required to ensure the grid is prepared to support the Executive’s target of sourcing 80% of electricity from renewables by 2030. The roundtable was chaired by energy commentator and journalist Jamie Delargy and featured a distinguished panel of stakeholders responsible for delivering an electricity system capable of meeting Northern Ireland’s climate targets.
Key priorities discussed included:
- Reducing connection cost barriers to low-carbon technologies by increasing socialisation of network reinforcement costs.
- Establishing a Grid Development Monitoring Group to oversee essential upgrades required between now and 2030.
- Developing a smart meter design plan and oversight group, with implementation expected to begin in Q2 2025.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to collaborate and engage, in line with commitments outlined in the NI Energy Strategy.
A full report of the roundtable discussion will be made available in due course.
Stephen Cross, Head of Energy & Renewables and Director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, commented:
“We brought together leading individuals representing the organisations tasked with delivering a grid capable of meeting NI’s climate targets. The discussion provided a unique insight into the challenges, but also pointed to the solutions. We are delighted to have facilitated this event and provided a forum for exchange of ideas between government policymakers and industry.”
Listen to our Energy Roundtable podcast here.
Pictured: L-R: Stephen Cross, Director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, Jamie Delargy, Energy commentator & journalist; Dara Lynott, CEO, Electricity Association of Ireland.
Photo by Press Eye.
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