A fourth reduction in a row for renewable generation figures, shows vital action is needed to meet Climate Act targets.
The figures from the Department for the Economy’s latest renewable electricity generation report, published today, show a reduction from the previous year.
Produced quarterly based on the previous 12 month period, show renewable generation accounted for 44.5 per cent of NI’s electricity use, ending September 2024.
This a drop of 6.5 per cent since the record 51 per cent in the calendar year 2022, when 3,825 GW was generated from renewable sources in Northern Ireland.
Steven Agnew, RenewableNI Director said: “While I am disappointed by today’s report, I am not surprised. Since March this year, which recorded the full 2023 calendar year, every report has shown a decrease. Meanwhile our neighbours are reporting continued growth.
“Once Northern Ireland was the renewable energy leader and others looked on in envy. Our last renewable electricity support scheme delivered the target two years ahead of expected - meeting 40 per cent of people’s electricity needs coming from renewables by 2018.
“And then we had a policy vacuum that has seen Northern Ireland go from leaders to laggards.
“The Climate Act set a target of 80 per cent by 2030, but lacks the policy support to help the industry deliver. We are still waiting for a new support scheme, we have some developers with projects stuck in planning for several years, and a need for grid build out to be accelerated.
“The Renewable Rewards report showed that every new wind turbine and every solar panel connected is saving consumers money. By the time of the full 2024 year report, we need to have the polices and infrastructure decisions in place to make new generation happen.
