Key Takeaways
- Northern Ireland generated 44.2% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily onshore wind, in the last year.
- Without market support, new renewable projects are stalled, with only 100 MW added since 2020.
- Delays in policy reforms could hinder the goal of 80% renewable electricity by 2030, urging immediate action from policymakers.
Renewable Electricity Progress in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) quarterly report indicates that 44.2% of electricity was derived from renewable sources over the past year, with onshore wind contributing 82.2% of this generation. However, this figure represents a decline from the peak of 51% achieved in 2022, primarily attributed to a lack of market support schemes. Mark Richardson, Director of RenewableNI, highlighted that while seasonal weather can cause slight variations, the overall trend should aim upwards to meet the Climate Act’s target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
Since the termination of the last renewable electricity support scheme in 2016, the region has seen the addition of only 100 MW of new generation capacity, compared to 400 MW during the previous support scheme era. Although the final design for the REPG was released in September, the renewable sector is still awaiting essential terms and conditions. Initially anticipated for presentation in the Assembly this autumn, the corresponding draft bill has now been postponed to 2026.
RenewableNI has raised concerns that ongoing delays in policy and infrastructure are causing a consistent decline in renewable energy generation. To address this, a seminar scheduled for December 10, 2025, will gather industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Department for the Economy and planners, to discuss actionable strategies for reversing this downward trend and ensuring readiness for the upcoming REPG auction.
Despite a target date set for Q1 2027, worries are mounting that without urgent interventions, this timeline may slip further. Richardson underscored the necessity of timely policy and reform delivery to capitalize on the benefits of clean power. He emphasized that while the renewable electricity sector possesses multiple pre-planning and planning projects, progress is stifled as neighboring regions like the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain advance.
With only 500 days left in the current Assembly mandate, Richardson called for immediate legislative progress that would yield real improvements for citizens before the next election. He asserted that all political parties are aligned with the 80% target by 2030 and can expedite the support scheme passage to unlock necessary investments and secure Northern Ireland’s energy supply. Confidence remains that Northern Ireland can reclaim its leadership in renewable energy, but swift action is imperative.
For further information, refer to the RenewableNI report titled “Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland” from the Department for the Economy.
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