Menu
03/10/2005
Government unveils renewable energy recommendations
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Jeff Rooker has launched a consultation on recommendations for a Renewable Energy Policy.
Speaking at the launch of 'Recommendations to DARD for a Renewable Energy Policy' the Minister said Government had set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% from the 1990 level within the next five years.
"Northern Ireland possesses some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe, yet currently, only 2% of our primary energy comes from renewable sources," the Minister said.
"Drawing on the outcome of the consultation we are launching today, DARD will proceed to develop a renewables strategy that will seek to unlock the bioenergy potential of Northern Ireland and open up new opportunities for the rural economy."
The recommendations were made to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) by an inter-departmental steering group. They are based on a study that investigated the potential market for small-scale embedded heat and power and heat-only systems in the rural economy. The study also assessed the economic and environmental sustainability of such systems. The potential of growing crops like oilseed rape and wheat to produce biofuels for transportation was also addressed.
The recommendations in the study identify areas where renewable energy sources could be exploited to increase significantly their contribution to Northern Ireland's energy requirements. This would reduce the use of fossil fuels, which produce emissions harmful to the atmosphere when burned.
(MB/SP)
Speaking at the launch of 'Recommendations to DARD for a Renewable Energy Policy' the Minister said Government had set a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% from the 1990 level within the next five years.
"Northern Ireland possesses some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe, yet currently, only 2% of our primary energy comes from renewable sources," the Minister said.
"Drawing on the outcome of the consultation we are launching today, DARD will proceed to develop a renewables strategy that will seek to unlock the bioenergy potential of Northern Ireland and open up new opportunities for the rural economy."
The recommendations were made to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) by an inter-departmental steering group. They are based on a study that investigated the potential market for small-scale embedded heat and power and heat-only systems in the rural economy. The study also assessed the economic and environmental sustainability of such systems. The potential of growing crops like oilseed rape and wheat to produce biofuels for transportation was also addressed.
The recommendations in the study identify areas where renewable energy sources could be exploited to increase significantly their contribution to Northern Ireland's energy requirements. This would reduce the use of fossil fuels, which produce emissions harmful to the atmosphere when burned.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
15 June 2009
Potential For 'Green' Jobs, Says De Brun
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP (pictured) appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.
Potential For 'Green' Jobs, Says De Brun
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP (pictured) appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly Environment Committee last week.
08 April 2022
Third Of NI Power Comes From Renewable Sources
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI.
Third Of NI Power Comes From Renewable Sources
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI.
22 April 2022
Indigenous Renewable Energy System Economic Necessity
The creation of an indigenous Renewable Energy System in Northern Ireland has become an economic necessity, Dr Len O'Hagan, NI Water Chairman has said.
Indigenous Renewable Energy System Economic Necessity
The creation of an indigenous Renewable Energy System in Northern Ireland has become an economic necessity, Dr Len O'Hagan, NI Water Chairman has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
