RenewableUK has launched a new Onshore Wind Prospectus setting out pathway for industry and government to work together to reach net zero emissions ensuring maximum benefits and lowest costs for bill payers.
Doubling the UK’s onshore wind capacity by 2030 would reduce consumer bills by £16.3 billion over the course of this decade.
Northern Ireland’s capacity would be raised to 2.5GW from the current level of 1.3GW, saving £25 per household annually. This would generate £2 billion of economic activity and create 1,000 full-time jobs in the onshore wind industry including the supply chain.
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Throughout the UK a further 23,000 jobs would be created operating wind farms over the course of their twenty-five year lifespan.
To meet Climate Change Committee advice, the Northern Ireland Executive needs to set a target of 1.1GW of new development by 2030, and to set a planning framework to enable this, utilising the current planning review.
In a poll conducted for the Prospectus, 72% of NI people want the UK Government to set a long-term target for wind energy ahead of COP26.
The poll also showed 78% of people in Northern Ireland support the NI Energy Strategy to reach 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
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Speaking about targets set in the Prospectus, Head of RenewableNI, Steven Agnew said: “The planning system in Northern Ireland has one of the longest lead times in the UK - twice as long as in England - and restrictive Local Development Plans are limiting use of modern more powerful turbines. It must also reform Northern Ireland’s utility regulator to prioritise net zero in grid infrastructure development.
Mr.Agnew also added: “These actions will unlock the vast economic and environmental opportunities that onshore wind offers. By maximising the benefits of onshore wind, the UK can set a great example to the rest of the world at COP26 in Glasgow, the most important international climate change summit for years”.
Source: Written from press release.
