New policy will help renewable energy sector grow

Environment Minister Edwin Poots and Energy Minister Arlene Foster have pledged their continued efforts in helping the renewable energy sector grow.

The Ministers were speaking today during a visit to Enniskillen company Balcas Timber Ltd to view at first hand its successful diversification into the renewable energy industry.

An Invest Northern Ireland client, the company was established in 1962 and previously focused solely on the supply of timber. In recent years Balcas has seized the opportunity to diversify into renewables, converting sawmilling residue, chips and bark into fuel pellets for use in biomass boilers.

During the visit Minister Poots launched his Department’s new planning policy for renewable energy, PPS18. He said: “This policy sets out the Department of the Environment’s planning policy for development that generates energy from renewable resources. In addition, PPS18 encourages the integration of renewable energy technology and greater application of the principles of Passive Solar Design in the design, siting and layout of new development.”

He acknowledged that greater use of renewable energy technologies will reduce Northern Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and will bring diversity and security of supply to our energy infrastructure.

Mr Poots said: “As seen from the success of Balcas Ltd, renewable energy development will not only help the environment – it can provide significant opportunities for local firms to use their extensive skills and knowledge base to develop a local renewable energy industry. By creating jobs, the increased use of renewable energy provides opportunities for rural diversification and for the alternative use of agricultural land in the production of renewable energy crops.”

Arlene Foster congratulated Balcas on its commitment to innovation and growth within the local renewable energy industry and highlighted her department’s continued work in developing a sustainable energy future for Northern Ireland.

She said: “Demand for bio energy, as with all forms of renewables, is increasing rapidly as both businesses and consumers become more environmentally conscious.

“I have just launched the draft cross Departmental Bioenergy Action Plan for consultation. It offers a co-ordinated approach for the sustainable development of bioenergy to contribute towards achieving more secure energy supplies, reduced carbon emissions and increased business and employment opportunities .

“By simultaneously reducing its waste overheads and tapping into a new revenue stream, Balcas is already demonstrating that renewable energy represents a significant commercial opportunity for local businesses regardless of prior experience in the sector.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of Balcas and its continuing commitment to innovation and sustainability is clear. This is further evidenced by the company’s recent success in the Sustainable Manufacturing category of the prestigious UK Manufacturing Excellence Awards.”