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20/01/2011
Renewable Energy Gets Powerful Boost
A new association is being formed today aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power.
The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
It is part of a major renewable energy policy conference entitled 'Towards 2020 - Delivering the Strategic Energy Framework' at Belfast's Hilton Hotel.
Over 150 delegates are attending the event sponsored by ESB Wind Developments, RES and Bord Gáis Energy to hear from representatives working within the sector about the actions required by industry, government and others to deliver the recently published Strategic Energy Framework.
Gary Connolly, Chairman of the newly established Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), who has worked with ESB Wind Development for over three years managing the development of wind projects in Northern Ireland, outlined the key areas that need to be addressed in order to create a vibrant and prosperous wind industry.
"The development of renewable energy is a key strategic priority for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe.
"During the conference we are encouraging delegates to consider high level issues ranging from planning, grid infrastructure and regulation right through to technical issues such as development on peat, the impact of the Onshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and environmentally acceptable development.
"The Northern Ireland Strategic Energy Framework is intended to provide the supporting policy infrastructure necessary to drive the development of Northern Ireland's renewable resources.
"The sector has the potential to create over 1,300 green jobs and dramatically reduce the 99% dependence on imported fossil fuels. It is critical that we all play a part in ensuring that the Framework is realised," he said.
Research has indicated that utilising wind generation for the production of electricity in Northern Ireland will deliver significant cost savings and thereby stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The current progress in Northern Ireland has been achieved with very limited amounts of installed wind capacity.
Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive Offdice of RenewableUK discussed the huge gains available for Northern Ireland if the targets indicated in the Draft Strategic Energy Framework can be achieved: "Coupled with its abundant natural resources Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to be a leading European centre for the integration of renewables across markets and to become a significant exporter of renewable energy and expertise," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
It is part of a major renewable energy policy conference entitled 'Towards 2020 - Delivering the Strategic Energy Framework' at Belfast's Hilton Hotel.
Over 150 delegates are attending the event sponsored by ESB Wind Developments, RES and Bord Gáis Energy to hear from representatives working within the sector about the actions required by industry, government and others to deliver the recently published Strategic Energy Framework.
Gary Connolly, Chairman of the newly established Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), who has worked with ESB Wind Development for over three years managing the development of wind projects in Northern Ireland, outlined the key areas that need to be addressed in order to create a vibrant and prosperous wind industry.
"The development of renewable energy is a key strategic priority for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe.
"During the conference we are encouraging delegates to consider high level issues ranging from planning, grid infrastructure and regulation right through to technical issues such as development on peat, the impact of the Onshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and environmentally acceptable development.
"The Northern Ireland Strategic Energy Framework is intended to provide the supporting policy infrastructure necessary to drive the development of Northern Ireland's renewable resources.
"The sector has the potential to create over 1,300 green jobs and dramatically reduce the 99% dependence on imported fossil fuels. It is critical that we all play a part in ensuring that the Framework is realised," he said.
Research has indicated that utilising wind generation for the production of electricity in Northern Ireland will deliver significant cost savings and thereby stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The current progress in Northern Ireland has been achieved with very limited amounts of installed wind capacity.
Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive Offdice of RenewableUK discussed the huge gains available for Northern Ireland if the targets indicated in the Draft Strategic Energy Framework can be achieved: "Coupled with its abundant natural resources Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to be a leading European centre for the integration of renewables across markets and to become a significant exporter of renewable energy and expertise," she said.
(BMcC/GK)
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Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson, has announced an increase of 80% in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy generation capacity.
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14 May 2004
Interactive wind map demonstrates NI renewable energy capability
A new web-based interactive map, which allows users to determine average wind speeds in any part of Northern Ireland, has been launched at the Balmoral Show. The map was developed as part of work to assess the extent of Northern Ireland’s natural renewable energy potential.
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A new web-based interactive map, which allows users to determine average wind speeds in any part of Northern Ireland, has been launched at the Balmoral Show. The map was developed as part of work to assess the extent of Northern Ireland’s natural renewable energy potential.
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WWF welcomes all-island renewable energy plans
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08 October 2003
UK Energy Minister launches new initiative in Belfast
A new initiative to encourage the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland is being launched today in Belfast by UK Energy Minister, Stephen Timms.
UK Energy Minister launches new initiative in Belfast
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
