Grid Reinforcement will allow NI to meet Renewables Target - Gardiner
UUP Environment Spokesperson Sam Gardiner MLA has urged the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry to work with Northern Ireland Electricity to undertake an urgent programme of grid reinforcement, allowing Northern Ireland to meet its renewables targets for 2012.
His comments follow a report by the British Wind Energy Association which shows that Northern Ireland could contribute 543 MW of onshore wind by 2010,, generating sufficient electricity for more than 300,000 homes each year, equivalent to one in three households in Northern Ireland.
“I trust that DETI and NIE will act on the advice given by BWEA and undertake a programme of grid reinforcement, allowing Northern Ireland to reach its renewable targets. The benefits of renewable energy have been well publicised and people are beginning to think more about where their electricity comes from and the effect that it may have on the environment.
“Cutting our reliance on fossil fuels not only reduces pollution, but it ensures that future generations will have an alternative source of energy. The rate at which we are using fossil fuels simply cannot sustain itself and it is in everyone’s best interests to find alternatives sooner rather than later.
“Consumers should also be aware that they can have their electricity requirements met in a way that causes no harm to the environment by taking advantage of NIE’s Eco Energy programme and request that they receive their electricity from non-polluting renewable sources”.