12/03/2014

Renewable Energy Helps Create Prosperity - Foster

The generation of renewable energy can play a significant role in creating prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland, according to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.

The Minister made the comments as she opened the Social Enterprise and Community Renewable Energy (SECRE) Conference, hosted by the University of Ulster and Action Renewables and themed 'Promoting Renewable Energy in Local Communities'.

"The social economy sector has an important role to play in rebuilding and rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy by creating and sustaining new employment opportunities," she said.

"As we continue to progress towards our target of 40% renewable energy by 2020, the issue of community benefit and engagement from such projects is becoming increasingly important. Working together, project developers and local communities can ensure that the potential of this emerging sector is maximised for the good of all."

The SECRE Group has partners from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

This year's conference highlighted the completion of its research project over the last three years with the launch of CommonPower, a renewable energy consultancy service to support social enterprises to apply renewable energy solutions to local economic development.

(IT/MH)

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