22/03/2005

Gardiner announces renewable energy programme

Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner today announced the introduction of the Renewables Obligation for Northern Ireland (NIR) which is expected to stimulate private sector investment of around £500 million in projects to generate electricity from renewable sources over the next five years.

The NIRO, which is being introduced with effect from 1 April 2005, will place a requirement on electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland to provide evidence that a specified proportion of the electricity supplied to final consumers in Northern Ireland has been generated from environmentally friendly renewable sources or alternatively to buy-out their obligations under the scheme.

Mr Gardiner said: “The plan of action which DETI has developed in partnership with the energy industry will encourage everyone to rise to the challenge of mainstreaming renewable energy generation.

“We are beginning to see real enthusiasm right across the technology spectrum – not just wind but also geothermal, tidal stream and biomass. My Department has developed a mechanism to incentivise the deployment of all technologies at acceptable cost.”

The NIRO will operate in tandem with the existing Obligations in Great Britain and Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) that are used to demonstrate compliance will be mutually recognised within the UK.

This aspect of the implementation arrangements was negotiated to protect Northern Ireland electricity tariffs. Cost modelling carried out for the Department indicates that the impact of the NIRO could increase electricity costs by less than 1% per annum until 2010.

(MB/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 June 2008
Rathlin's Big 'Switch' Pulled
Rathlin islanders are at last able to enjoy a dependable supply of electricity. Yesterday, NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy officially switched on a new 10.4km subsea electricity cable which extends from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island.
25 September 2003
Minister announces £30m electricity initiative
Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson has announced plans to invest £30 million in a new initiative aimed at reducing electricity bills for Northern Ireland's businesses. It is hoped that the funding, which is part of a draft budget, will help businesses save 10% on their electricity bills.
14 September 2022
Over 47% Of NI's Electricity Generated By Renewable Sources
More than 47% of Northern Ireland's total electricity consumption was provided by renewable sources in the year until June 2022, according to the latest 'Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation' report.
25 March 2010
Renewable Energy Legislation Welcomed
Fresh legislation is set to enhance renewable electricity generation across NI. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly's support for changes to the Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (NI). It was passed by the Assembly in late March and will come into operation on 1 April.
14 November 2011
Gaelectric Meets Enterprise Committee
Top executives from the Northern Ireland renewable energy development and energy technology group, Gaelectric, have met with members of the NI Enterprise Trade and Investment (ETI) Committee to highlight the contribution of the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland to economic development and energy security.