RenewableNI is delighted to see the NI Assembly agree on a renewable electricity target of 80 per cent by 2030 in the Climate Bill.
RenewableNI, the voice of Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity industry, has been lobbying for this target for the benefit of consumers and the environment.
RenewableNI’s report Achieving Zero: Pathway to a zero-carbon electricity system in Northern Ireland highlighted that:
- Achieving 80% renewable electricity results in an additional net cost saving to the end consumer in Northern Ireland of over £50m in 2030 when compared with the 70% target.
- The 80% can be reached using current and proven technology in Northern Ireland.
- Reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030 cuts carbon emissions by 75% – from 2.8 million tonnes per annum to 0.7 million. A saving of 0.6MtCO² compared to setting a 70 by 30 target.
Head of RenewableNI, Steven Agnew, said:
“Northern Ireland spends over £2bn on imported fossil fuels, money literally up in smoke. A clean, green, energy system ‘made in Northern Ireland’ is within our reach and will help power a green economic recovery, as well as reduce our impact on the climate.
“RenewableNI members are ready to make a huge investment in a zero carbon electricity system. We have just been waiting on the signal from our politicians to get started.”
The Climate Bill was amended to include clause 15.—(1) “The Department for the Economy must ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030.” This is an update of the 70% by 2030 set out in the NI Energy Strategy published in December.
2021 also saw SONI’s publication Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap, their plan to transform the high voltage network to support Northern Ireland’s fight against climate change.
RenewableNI submitted a consultation to the Department for Infrastructure’s Review of Strategic Planning Policy on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Issues Paper.
RenewableNI members have extensive experience of developing renewable energy projects in Northern Ireland and across these islands and therefore have a good understanding of our local planning system and knowledge of good practice elsewhere.
Commenting on this, Steven said:
“With the approval of the Climate Bill, and the new Energy Strategy, Northern Ireland is finally starting to catch up with the rest of the UK and Ireland. We need to ensure this progress isn’t held up by a poorly resourced planning system. It doesn’t reflect the fees our members are paying, and timescales are prohibitive.
“Wind farms are spending more than twice as long in planning here than in Great Britain. This is a considerable disincentive to investors who are operating across these islands and globally.
“Now is the time to act, to ensure a greener and cheaper electricity system for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
ENDS.
For media inquiries please contact Judith Rance, Communications and Events Manager, RenewableNI, Judith.Rance@RenewableNI.com, 07875-681-794.
Notes to editors
Head of RenewableNI, Steven Agnew, is available for media interviews.
Read the Achieving Zero report at https://renewableni.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Baringa_RenewableNI_Achieving_Zero_Final_Report_v2_0.pdf
You can read all RenewableNI’s reports and consultation documents at www.RenewableNI.com/policy
