A new solar report by KPMG revealed the industry has the potential to contribute up to £426 million to the Northern Irish economy GVA over the next five years.

Solar Potential: the ecomonic benefits for NI also showed the solar energy industry could support 1,800 jobs across NI by 2030.  Many of these will be located outside the Belfast region, in rural communities where utility-scale solar farms and solar panel installers are located.

The North-West is set to receive the majority of the economic benefits, with 48 per cent of the total utility-scale solar PV pipeline for Northern Ireland located in the region.

Co. Londonderry has a pipeline of seven utility-scale solar PV projects totalling approximately 271 MW.  These projects range from commercial installations to large-scale utility farms across the county.

Across NI, the solar energy industry could contribute ~£13 million in revenue through local and regional business rates.  With district rates which are paid to local authorities, this can contribute to the funding of Derry public services including leisure facilities, council growth and regeneration and protecting jobs.

NI wide, the sector could make the potential contribution of £815m from capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX), if the solar industry achieves 900 MW by 2030.

To reach the 900 MW, investment in the retraining and reskilling of workers from the renewable energy sector is required across NI.

RenewableNI Director, Steven Agnew said: “Every solar panel connected helps to reduce electricity bills.  Unfortunately, a policy vacuum has meant that the solar industry in NI hasn’t grown to its full potential.  However, the 80 per cent by 2030 renewables target has changed that, and we are on the cusp of a solar resurgence.

“The Solar Potential report highlights the significant benefits that solar can bring to the NI economy, in addition to its environmental and social impacts.  It’s fair to say that in Northern Ireland, the sun generates more light than heat.”

ENDS.

For media inquiries please contact Judith Rance, Communications and Events Manager, RenewableNI, Judith.Rance@RenewableNI.com, 07875-681-794.  

Notes to editors

You can read Solar Potential: the ecomonic benefits for NI at https://renewableni.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/RNI-response-to-PfG-consultation-04.11.24.pdf

Breakdown of projects by area on page 20.

Solar Potential was commissioned by RenewableNI – the voice of NI’s renewable electricity industry.