Environment minister Jonathan Bell has confirmed that the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) for large-scale onshore wind will close next month.
Bell said today that the support mechanism was being shut on 1 April to align Belfast’s policy with DECC moves to end subsidies for onshore wind.
The NIRO for small scale wind will remain open until a further consultation is concluded, Bell added.
“I have always wanted to bring closure to the NIRO in a manner that delivers the maximum amount of MW that can be achieved at the least cost to consumers,” said Bell.
“With this in mind I consulted on aligning with DECC policy, having successfully secured a later eligibility date for projects connecting to cluster connections.”
He added: ‘‘I now have clarity from DECC on its policy towards NIRO closure at a UK level. This enables me to now take a dual approach in Northern Ireland.
“I have listened to the issues raised by both large and small scale developers and with this in mind, I am moving now to effect closure of the NIRO to large scale onshore wind from 1 April 2016 with exceptions in the form of grace periods for eligible projects.”
Image: Robert Paul Young/Wikimedia Commons
