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09/11/2015
SF Hits Out At Minister Over Renewable Energy Sector
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Enterprise, Trade and Environment Minister after he demolished plans to end the period for small onshore wind projects to be eligible for the Renewable Obligation.
Speaking after a meeting with small onshore wind energy developers and operators, SF MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir accused Minister Jonathon Bell of causing "havoc" in the renewable energy sector.
He said: "One company alone, Wind NI, which met with me and Conor Murphy MLA today has had development plans for 50 wind turbines representing an investment of over £25m. The plans have been demolished by the minister by ending the period for small onshore wind projects to be eligible for the Renewable Obligation, one of the main support mechanisms for renewable electricity projects.
"Real questions have to be answered as to why the Minister did this on the very day, 30 September, that he launched the consultation on this issue.
"As an area which depends on fossil fuels for 91 per cent of its energy needs, the push towards renewables makes environmental and economic sense. The Tory attack against green energy is driven by an ideology which reveres fracking and nuclear power but repudiates renewables. There is no reason for Minister Bell to take his lead from London on this issue."
(CD)
Speaking after a meeting with small onshore wind energy developers and operators, SF MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir accused Minister Jonathon Bell of causing "havoc" in the renewable energy sector.
He said: "One company alone, Wind NI, which met with me and Conor Murphy MLA today has had development plans for 50 wind turbines representing an investment of over £25m. The plans have been demolished by the minister by ending the period for small onshore wind projects to be eligible for the Renewable Obligation, one of the main support mechanisms for renewable electricity projects.
"Real questions have to be answered as to why the Minister did this on the very day, 30 September, that he launched the consultation on this issue.
"As an area which depends on fossil fuels for 91 per cent of its energy needs, the push towards renewables makes environmental and economic sense. The Tory attack against green energy is driven by an ideology which reveres fracking and nuclear power but repudiates renewables. There is no reason for Minister Bell to take his lead from London on this issue."
(CD)
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