02/08/2021
Economy Minister Welcomes Improvements At Kilroot Power Station
The Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has visited Kilroot Power Station to hear about plans to enhance security of supply and produce electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
The Minister toured the Power Station and met with representatives from owners EP UK Investments (EPUKI).
Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: "My Department and I are committed to the vision set out in the Energy Strategy consultation for net zero carbon and affordable energy and look forward to working with EPUKI in reaching this goal. Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations are vital to the security of electricity supply in Northern Ireland and can play a key role as we move towards ending the use of coal and aim for increasingly greater levels of low carbon and renewable electricity to ultimately replace fossil fuels.
"I welcome the investment by EPUKI in the creation of Kilroot Energy Park which aspires to be the largest ever single investment in electricity generation in Northern Ireland. I was interested to hear how the Park seeks to become a centre of excellence and the proposal to build an Education and Learning Centre. Such a resource will allow students and visitors to come and learn about how they intend to produce electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner promoting better understanding on the vital role of energy production."
Ian Luney, Commercial Director of EP UK Investments, added: "I was delighted to host Minister Lyons at our Kilroot site this morning. EPUKI are at an exciting phase as we move forward with ambitious plans for our power stations in Northern Ireland, and particularly the Kilroot Energy Park. This will ensure the transition towards lower carbon generation as well as protecting security and stability of supply for Northern Ireland through the continuation of indigenous dispatchable generation. Our plans will result in significant investment of over £600m in the local economy and will also safeguard jobs at this location. The Department for the Economy has a vital role to play in the development of an Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we seek to play our part in the low carbon transition of Northern Ireland's economy."
The Minister toured the Power Station and met with representatives from owners EP UK Investments (EPUKI).
Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: "My Department and I are committed to the vision set out in the Energy Strategy consultation for net zero carbon and affordable energy and look forward to working with EPUKI in reaching this goal. Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations are vital to the security of electricity supply in Northern Ireland and can play a key role as we move towards ending the use of coal and aim for increasingly greater levels of low carbon and renewable electricity to ultimately replace fossil fuels.
"I welcome the investment by EPUKI in the creation of Kilroot Energy Park which aspires to be the largest ever single investment in electricity generation in Northern Ireland. I was interested to hear how the Park seeks to become a centre of excellence and the proposal to build an Education and Learning Centre. Such a resource will allow students and visitors to come and learn about how they intend to produce electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner promoting better understanding on the vital role of energy production."
Ian Luney, Commercial Director of EP UK Investments, added: "I was delighted to host Minister Lyons at our Kilroot site this morning. EPUKI are at an exciting phase as we move forward with ambitious plans for our power stations in Northern Ireland, and particularly the Kilroot Energy Park. This will ensure the transition towards lower carbon generation as well as protecting security and stability of supply for Northern Ireland through the continuation of indigenous dispatchable generation. Our plans will result in significant investment of over £600m in the local economy and will also safeguard jobs at this location. The Department for the Economy has a vital role to play in the development of an Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we seek to play our part in the low carbon transition of Northern Ireland's economy."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 October 2011
Bank Signs 'Powerful' Kilroot Funding Deal
A major banking institution is to sign a 'powerful' deal in NI with news that Barclays Corporate has completed an innovative £38m funding arrangement that will allow Co Antrim's AES Kilroot Power Station to further enhance its efficiency and secure its long term financing needs.
Bank Signs 'Powerful' Kilroot Funding Deal
A major banking institution is to sign a 'powerful' deal in NI with news that Barclays Corporate has completed an innovative £38m funding arrangement that will allow Co Antrim's AES Kilroot Power Station to further enhance its efficiency and secure its long term financing needs.
25 August 2023
Kilroot Must Remain Operational Over Winter – UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has called for Kilroot coal-powered power station to remain open and operational over the winter to avoid power cuts. The party's infrastructure spokesperson, John Stewart, made the call following the news that new gas turbines, installed to replace coal, will not be commissioned on time.
Kilroot Must Remain Operational Over Winter – UUP
The Ulster Unionist Party has called for Kilroot coal-powered power station to remain open and operational over the winter to avoid power cuts. The party's infrastructure spokesperson, John Stewart, made the call following the news that new gas turbines, installed to replace coal, will not be commissioned on time.
03 September 2009
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
09 July 2003
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
31 May 2016
Eight Injured In Multi-Vehicle Crash In Carrickfergus
Eight people have been injured in multi-vehicle crash in Carrickfergus. The collision happened near Kilroot Power Station on the main road on Sunday. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening and they remain in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Eight Injured In Multi-Vehicle Crash In Carrickfergus
Eight people have been injured in multi-vehicle crash in Carrickfergus. The collision happened near Kilroot Power Station on the main road on Sunday. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening and they remain in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.