Northern Ireland’s premier renewable energy event, RenewableNI’s Smart Energy conference, took place in Belfast yesterday focused on turning energy ambition into electricity generation.
At a time when energy uncertainty and potential price rises are dominating the headlines, the RenewableNI conference set out the strategic vision and economic benefits to provide the solutions to these issues.
Addressing the 250 delegates, RenewableNI Director, Mark Richardson said: “In recent days and weeks, consumers have once again watched energy prices spike due to the war of unintended consequences. The reality of yet another conflict is surging through global markets and landing, as it always does, on the bills of families and businesses who bear the costs without having any say. Energy security is national security.”
The Smart Energy keynote was delivered by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir, MLA, who emphasised the wider benefits of renewables, including climate protection.
Minister Muir said: “Today’s Smart Energy 2026 conference is timely. More frequent extreme weather and record temperatures are underlining the urgent need for climate action such as shifting to renewables. In a recent report from the UK Climate Change Committee, it is clear that transitioning to a low carbon economy, including transitioning away from volatile fossil fuels to clean domestic energy, is not only cost effective but also delivers other benefits, including better health.
“That’s why my Department is continuing to move at pace to bring forward a Climate Action Plan that will complement our third Climate Change Adaptation Programme, published last week. It is essential that Northern Ireland has the opportunity to capitalise on the opportunities that come from a just and fair transition, to secure good green jobs, a more resilient economy and a clean and green environment for future generations.”
Key discussions throughout the day highlighted the importance of the upcoming Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) to provide the certainty for companies to start investing, not only in building the renewable electricity projects, but infrastructure and skills for long-term economic development in Northern Ireland.
Panels on Developments for Delivery, Supporting the Supply Chain and Delivering the Offshore Potential, along with a Women in Renewables session set out the policy and infrastructure requirements needed, and an urgency for delivery.
Mark Richardson continued: “Time is not a renewable resource. The message from this conference is unambiguous: pass the REPG Bill, on time, and deliver the first auction without delay.
“The industry is ready. We need government to be ready too. It’s time to make up for lost ground. Delivering on our renewable ambition is not without challenges but Smart Energy conference showed there is a commitment to overcoming these and making clean energy and economic benefits a reality for everyone in NI.”
ENDS.
For media inquiries please contact Judith Rance, Head of Communications and Events, RenewableNI, Judith.Rance@RenewableNI.com, 07875-681-794.
CAPTION: DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA delivered the keynote address at the RenewableNI Smart Energy conference in Belfast. The Minister covered the importance of energy security and climate and biodiversity protection. Photographed with the Minister are (L-R) Gerard Carlin, Director of Networks and Innovation, SONI; Neasa Quigley, Senior Partner, Carson McDowell; Mark Richardson, RenewableNI Director; and Brian Hegarty, Northern Ireland Regional Manager, ESB.
