The analysis comes as the Minister for the Economy, Diana Dodds MLA outlines the department’s commitment to a target not below 70% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
“The twin Covid and climate crises demand an immediate response,” says Steven Agnew, Head of RenewableNI. “We need a green economic recovery plan to ensure that Northern Ireland’s emergency response is one that is based on sound long term investments.”
“The renewable electricity industry stands ready to invest in Northern Ireland and power the green recovery that is needed.
“Which is why we welcome the Minister’s recent statement which gave a commitment to renewable electricity growth.
“Our research shows that setting a target of 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 would leverage over £1billion of private investment in Northern Ireland, creating 2,750MW of new renewable generation,”
“We also forecast an ongoing annual spend of £235million in operational support and maintenance, a particular boost to local areas where developments take place.
“With every economic and environmental measure pointing to the benefits of a more ambitious renewable energy strategy, the onus should therefore be on turning this ambition into a reality.”
Analysis by RenewabeNI also shows that achieving of 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030 would result in savings of 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This is equivalent to every household in Northern Ireland turning off their electricity for 1.5 years.
The renewable electricity sector has already created 1,000 jobs in Northern Ireland, with a similar number of jobs reliant on the industry.
Speaking about the need for close collaboration to set and reach a new target, Steven Agnew explains;
“Partnership at every level will be key to realise an 80% by 2030 target, and ultimately a net zero economy. RenewableNI has commissioned independent research to assess how we can achieve our ambitions at the lowest cost to the consumer.
“Policy must align across all aspects of government if we are to hail the next wave of renewables.”
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