The minister spoke today, as the UK Government published a Renewable Energy Strategy for consultation.
Mrs Foster said: “I am encouraging the people of Northern Ireland, and in particular those working in the energy industry and the sector’s key stakeholders, to have their say in this consultation.
“Northern Ireland has some of the best conditions in Europe for renewable electricity production and we want to hear your views on how we can maximise this potential – and how we can start to increase levels of renewable heat consumption.
“We are almost wholly dependent on the import of fossil fuels. As the prices of these continue to increase, Northern Ireland must ensure it has access to secure, competitively priced and sustainable energy supplies.
“Boosting the production and consumption of renewable energy is a key part of my strategy to achieve this.”
Commenting on the consultation, the minister continued: “This consultation covers the full range of issues surrounding renewable energy.
“I am keen to hear new and different ideas that can positively impact on our renewable energy consumption here. We need to make the most of our natural resources to cut carbon emissions and to ensure a sustainable future for Northern Ireland.
“The views of people in Northern Ireland will be vital to inform both the wider UK debate and a revised Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland later in 2008/9.”
The Renewable Energy Strategy consultation PDF document is available at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website
Responses should be sent to DETI Energy Division at Netherleigh, Massey Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2JP or to email ukres@detini.gov.uk by 26 September 2008.
Notes to Editors:
- In spring 2007, European Union Heads of Government agreed to a binding target that 20% of the EU’s energy (across electricity, heat and transport) should come from renewable sources by 2020. The details of how the EU 2020 target is to be implemented, including the contribution that each Member State is to make, have yet to be agreed. On 23 January 2008, the European Commission issued proposals in the form of a draft EU Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources which set a proposed target of 15% renewable energy consumption in the UK and, for all Member States, a 10% mandatory biofuel target. This Directive will be subject to negotiation between Member States and the EU.
- It is important to be clear on the different bases for existing and proposed targets. Current UK and NI renewables targets relate only to electricity, not to renewable energy. The proposed 15% target is across renewable electricity, transport and heat. As such, it cuts across Ministerial responsibilities in Northern Ireland. DETI is working with DRD, DARD, DFP, DOE and DSD to see how renewable energy can best be delivered in NI.
- Northern Ireland’s targets currently focus on renewable electricity: 12% by 2012 and with an aspirational target in the NI Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) of 40% by 2025.
- The Electrical Grid Study (published earlier this year) showed that up to 42% of electricity generated from renewable sources of energy could be accepted by the grid, provided that the grid infrastructure is significantly upgraded. The Grid Study is available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment website
- A revised Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland is planned for later in 2008/9.
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