Mr. Jim Gannon:

We share the Deputy’s ambition around development of our natural resources. Significant investment is required in infrastructure to deliver that and make sure we gain national and regional wealth from those natural resources. It is in all of our interests to make sure all the processes that can deliver that infrastructure are sped up. A number of initiatives are under way, including the Attorney General’s review of the planning system. There are other aspects, such as the renewable energy directive. There is an article in there that requires all planning, consulting and licensing processes for large projects to be completed within a two-year period. Currently, it is generally considered offshore wind projects take between seven and ten years to develop, if they are not already under way. That is an experience across Europe and Europe is mandating that those processes must be conducted faster in order for Europe to gain the resources it needs for its transition. That is a focus we have and something we discuss on an ongoing basis with the Department and other actors.

The McCarthy report focuses on the capacity market and capacity deficit we have spoken about here previously. That was subject to a programme of work prior to and separate from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We have been consulted on that and understand it is with the Department for finalisation and for considering what policy alternatives will come out. Prior to that, we conducted a report with Ernst and Young. We published the draft finding of that and consulted on those in order to gain further industry feedback. We now have a programme of work in place following that consultation to address some of these issues concerning the delivery of the gas-fired plant we need when wind is no longer in place and making sure the market delivers on that plant. That is under way and the Department has that on its desk. It is in its control.

On offshore wind, it is a significant ask for 2030. It is an enormously stretched target. We referred in our opening statement to the recent ORESS auction.