Foster Seeks Views on Bioenergy Action Plan
Monday, 10 August 2009Energy Minister Arlene Foster is seeking views on the draft Bioenergy Action Plan, which sets out how Northern Ireland can capitalise on natural energy resources.
Bioenergy is an organic based resource that can be grown or collected, including energy crops, wood products, farm by-products and food processing waste.
Encouraging feedback on the draft plan, the Minister said: “The publication of this first cross departmental draft Bioenergy Action Plan sets out how bioenergy can make an increased contribution to a more sustainable energy future in Northern Ireland.
“The successful and sustainable development of bioenergy has the potential to contribute to security of supply, deliver carbon emission reductions, provide business and employment opportunities as well as contributing to the challenging renewable energy targets proposed within the draft Strategic Energy Framework.”
The draft Strategic Energy Framework 2009, which was launched for consultation last month, outlines the key energy goals in terms of competitiveness, security of supply, sustainability and infrastructure.
Arlene Foster continued: “The draft plan sets out actions aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the benefits of bioenergy. It proposes a supportive policy and regulatory framework and targeted investment in key areas of the supply chain, while continuing to undertake focused research and development activities.”
The Minister concluded: “I see many opportunities for Government, businesses and energy users in Northern Ireland flowing from the increased sustainable development and usage of bioenergy. This draft plan sets out proposals to encourage this greater deployment and I would encourage all stakeholders to consider the document and contribute to this consultation process.”
The consultation on the draft Bioenergy Action Plan is scheduled to run until 30 October 2009.
Notes to Editors:
1. DETI is seeking input from all interested stakeholders, as part of the consultation on the draft cross Departmental Bionergy Action Plan.
2. The draft Plan is available to download from the DETI website at www.energy.detini.gov.uk.consultations or a hard copy can be requested from:
Sandra McMillan Energy Division DETI Massey Avenue BELFAST BT4 2JP Telephone: 028 9052 9240 E-mail: sandra.mcmillan@detini.gov.uk3. Bioenergy is an organic based resource that can be grown or collected e.g. forestry/wood products, energy crops such as Short Rotation Coppice willow, farm by products, food/food processing wastes and the bio-degradable portion of municipal waste.
4. The Bioenergy Inter Departmental group includes representatives from DARD, DRD, DFP, DOE and Invest NI and operates within the Sustainable Energy cross departmental group chaired by the DETI Minister.
5. The Strategic Energy Framework was issued for consultation on 6 July and contained proposals for a 40% renewable electricity target by 2020. It also proposed an interim 10% renewable heat target by 2020, pending planned work to research further the renewable heat market in Northern Ireland.
6. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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