Poots outlines importance of local wind energy industry

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said today that he foresees wind energy as the foundations to meeting Northern Ireland’s current renewable energy targets.

As keynote speaker at today’s Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast the Minister said: “I am firmly committed to supporting the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies so that together we can meet our commitments to tackle climate change.”

The Minister highlighted that his Department has a pivotal role to play in facilitating the deployment of renewable electricity generation necessary for Northern Ireland to meet challenging renewable energy targets.

He said: “I am fully aware that more needs to be achieved over the next 10 years if we are to meet the 40% target of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2020 set out in the Draft Strategic Energy Framework.

“While other renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly important role, I believe it is the mature technology of wind energy that will provide the most significant contribution toward the achievement of this target.”

The Minister explained to delegates that his Department’s new planning policy for renewable energy, PPS18 was designed to assist the growth of the overall renewable sector. He explained: “I believe firmly that PPS 18 strikes the right balance between protection of our valuable natural heritage and preservation of the amenity of rural dwellers, whilst at the same time ensuring that the necessary renewable energy infrastructure is put in place to allow us to meet our renewable energy targets.”

Notes to editors:

1. DOE’s policy is contained in Planning Policy Statement 18 ‘Renewable Energy’ (PPS18) which provides policy and guidance on renewable energy sources and the principles of Passive Solar Design within the context of reducing green house gas emissions as part of Northern Ireland’s efforts in tackling climate change.
2. Planning Policy Statements set out DOE policies on particular aspects of land use planning and other planning matters and apply to the whole of Northern Ireland. Their contents are taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and appeals.
3. Digital copies of PPS18 and it’s complementary Best Practice Guidance can be obtained from the Planning Service website:
4. Hard copies of PPS18 and it’s complementary Best Practice Guidance can be obtained from the Department’s Planning and Environmental Policy Group, Calvert House, 23 Castle Place, Belfast BT1 1FY.
5. All media inquiries should be directed to the Department of Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.