RenewableNI welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy
16th Dec 2021
RenewableNI, the voice of Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity industry, are delighted to see the publication of the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy today.
Head of RenewableNI, Steven Agnew, is quoted in the Strategy saying:
“RenewableNI fully supports this strategy’s ambition to deliver wholly decarbonised electricity as a core enabler of a net zero carbon and affordable energy system. Our members are committed to building on the renewable electricity successes of the last decade and surpassing targets in this strategy.”
Adding to this, Steven continued:
“It is vital that there is a clear action plan to implement the Strategy. As the only part of the UK without a strategy, until today, we are lagging far behind everyone else. Failure to act puts £3.1bn GVA for the Northern Ireland economy at risk, and results in a loss of confidence of the renewables industry.”
RenewableNI has recently published three reports on the benefits of the renewable electricity sector in Northern Ireland.
Powering A Green Economy showed that achieving of 2,500 MW onshore wind capacity will boost the economy with:
- a total GVA of £3.1bn;
- £195m rates contribution;
- £63m in labour income per year by 2030;
- over £31m invested in community benefit schemes.
The Achieving Zero report launched in September set out how the sector was ready to achieve a target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030 using existing and proven technologies in NI.
Reaching these goals, which could be put at risk of no Energy Strategy Action plan, would save end consumers £50m in 2030. Cutting 75% of carbon emissions – from 2.8 million tonnes per annum to 0.7 million – is crucial. W
Calling for the Strategy to be put into action, Steven Agnew conducted:
“RenewableNI repeatedly made it clear that setting an Energy Strategy with ambitious goals is vital for Northern Ireland’s economic growth as well as limiting the climate crisis. Now that the Executive has agreed, it is time for everyone to begin the process of implementing, not continuing to talk about how it should happen.
“We want to look back on 2021 as the year of COP26 and the Energy Strategy, but 2022 must be the year of action and change!”
