Almost half of total electricity consumption in Northern Ireland last year was generated from renewable sources, according to Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy.
The 49.2% figure is up 5.6% percentage points on the previous year with around 84.9% generated by wind power, up slightly from 84.5% in 2019.
Biogas accounted for 5.4%, biomass 4.2% and solar 3.4%.
Commenting on the latest figures, RenewableNI head Steven Agnew (pictured) said: “This remarkable milestone demonstrates the commitment from all those in the renewables industry to help reach our decarbonisation targets while at the same time creating jobs, supporting the economy and local communities.
“In the last two decades, renewable electricity has resulted in a net £135m benefit to consumers, a 9 million tonne reduction in carbon emissions and the creation of 2000 jobs.”
He said the focus now needs to be increase these benefits further.
“By setting an 80% target for renewable electricity generation by 2030, we can stimulate over £1bn of direct investment in new projects.”
Agnew said industry and government are working together to create a cohesive energy strategy that delivers for consumers and greenhouse gas reductions need to meet climate ambitions.
“This needs to include an effective route to market to support renewables and an efficient planning system that facilitates the delivery of net zero.”