To ask the Minister for the Economy when he will bring forward a strategy to move away from fossil fuels for home heating.

The Executive’s Energy Strategy, "The Path to Net Zero Energy," (published on 16 December 2021) outlines the policy direction for decarbonising the economy and phasing out fossil fuels, including gas, heating oil, coal, and certain other solid fuels used for heating. An update to progress on the strategy is produced annually and outlines the key strategic priorities and energy policy initiatives which are being developed and delivered with partners across government.

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 domestic and non-domestic consumers to move away from fossil fuels for heating and adopt low carbon heating technologies including heat pumps. Energy Strategy - Path to Net Zero Energy - 2023 Action Plan Report (economy-ni.gov.uk)