Northern Ireland’s green ambitions have been given a boost with news that almost half of electricity consumed in the province was generated from renewable sources last year.
A total of 49.2% of electricity consumption in the region came from renewables - the bulk of which came from wind energy – a jump of 5.6% on the year, according to latest data from the Department for the Economy.
Other sources of renewable energy included biogas, biomass, solar and gas from landfill.
The move chimes with Economy Minister Diane Dodds’ target for Northern Ireland to produce 70% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 and has given a boost to the industry, Steven Agnew, Head of Renewable NI which represents the renewable electricity sector, said.
“This remarkable milestone demonstrates the commitment from all those in the renewables industry to help reach our decarbonisation targets while at the same time creating jobs, supporting the economy and local communities,” he said. “In the last two decades, renewable electricity has resulted in a net £135 million benefit to consumers, a 9 million tonne reduction in carbon emissions and the creation of 2,000 jobs.”
Mr Agnew those economic benefits can be multiplied further if a renewables target beyond Diane Dodds’ 70% is set.
“The focus now needs to be on how we can increase these benefits further. By setting an 80% target for renewable electricity generation by 2030, we can stimulate over £1billion of direct investment in new projects. Industry and government are working together to create a cohesive energy strategy that delivers for consumers and greenhouse gas reductions need to meet our climate ambitions.
“This needs to include an effective route to market to support renewables and an efficient planning system that facilitates the delivery of net zero.”
Another renewable source has been identified as hydrogen, an area which Diane Dodds said she is driving research with the likes of Wrightbus and Northern Ireland Water.
“In order to lead the development of a hydrogen economy, I will bring key players together across the public sector at a senior level to provide government oversight and co-ordination on the development of the hydrogen economy in Northern Ireland.”
