Diane Forsythe, DUP South Down MLA and Vice Chair of the Economy Committee, stated that the Department for the Economy must inform the public about the impracticality of Northern Ireland's 2030 renewable energy targets.

She made the comments after questioning energy group officials at the Economy Committee. Forsythe said the officials' evidence showed the 80% renewable electricity generation target for 2030 lacks realism and affordability.

Northern Ireland currently generates about 44% of its electricity from renewables. Forsythe noted that this would require nearly doubling output in a short time. Officials did not accept this assessment despite committee questioning.

Forsythe called for a practical energy pathway focused on what can be achieved. She said unrealistic targets erode public trust and raise costs for households and businesses.