SSE Renewables has called for the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy to set an ambitious 80% renewables goal and a clear roadmap for the decarbonisation of the energy sector in the region.
The call was made today following an announcement last week by Economy Minister Diane Dodds that Northern Ireland will commit to a target not below 70% by 2030.
SSE Renewables director of development Barry Kilcline (pictured) said the new 70% target for Northern Ireland is welcome but added the region needs to commit to a more ambitious 80% renewable energy target if the country is to ensure it meets net zero by 2050 and help drive a green recovery.
Kilcline said: “We welcome the work undertaken by the Department of the Economy to develop a new NI Energy Strategy.
“Northern Ireland should use the opportunity of agreeing a new energy strategy to set an ambitious 80% renewable electricity target, that would build on the success of the region to date in harnessing renewable energy.
“An ambitious 80% target will ensure NI meets net zero emissions by 2050 and will also signal the intent of Northern Ireland to remain competitive with our neighbours across the UK and the Republic of Ireland where high targets have already been adopted.
“At SSE Renewables we’re committed to building a green, economic recovery with low carbon power and renewable energy at the core of that strategy.
“Our multi-billion-pound investments in new world-class renewable energy sites will help drive cleaner and more resilient economies in all parts of the, including here in Northern Ireland, and drive the transition to a net-zero carbon future.
“We believe that in creating the right environment for future investment in new low carbon energy to drive the transition to a net-zero carbon future, we will provide a vital economic boost, creating skilled, sustainable jobs.
“This will support a just transition here in NI and in all UK and Ireland regions, improving air quality and building resilience while also driving progress towards climate change targets.”
Kilcline added that energy policy in Northern Ireland over the last decade has become increasingly dominated by the role played by renewable energy.
“The construction of wind farms and other renewable projects saw the target of 40% renewable energy production achieved and exceeded ahead of schedule, bringing economic benefit alongside the benefit to consumers,” he said.
Kilcline said that to deliver on the 80% ambition, “Northern Ireland must activate a support scheme, which helps meet the up-front cost, along with effective planning and grid policy, similar to the schemes in operation in the rest of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
“At SSE Renewables we want to be part of a successful shift to a net zero carbon future, and with the right policy, support and external investment environment, we can play our part in helping Northern Ireland’s economy recover from the coronavirus crisis whilst taking climate action to achieve net-zero.”