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19/09/2011
Stormont Needs To Deliver 'Radical' Renewable Energy Action
A spokesperson for Alliance Sustainability has called upon the Assembly to take more action on renewable energy.
Councillor Alan Lawther said that a smart grid should be constructed for Northern Ireland and that more progress needs to be made to harness geothermal energy here.
The Antrim councillor also said that to ensure Northern Ireland is not held back from reaching its potential in this sector, Stormont needs to be "radical" in delivering a renewable energy policy.
Cllr Lawther has called for several actions to be taken including a policy ensured by DETI to allow Antrim to harness the abundant geothermal heat available in the area.
He commented: "Since we first discussed this, several areas in England have managed to get projects well under way and we could be left behind. Some councillors were in Germany to see the potential of a geothermal heating system and all were very impressed."
Cllr Lawther is calling on the Stormont Executive to match England in the way it encourages the installation of PV roof panels.
He added: "PV cells generate electricity from the sun. I believe that having an increased grants scheme for renewable energy system installation is crucial. Also, I discovered that Antrim and other councils charge £160 for building control fees on these installations and I have asked that we review these fees, and hope they can be greatly reduced to encourage people to invest in this zero carbon energy.
"All these measures could be easily done and will reduce our dependence on oil and gas, as well as reducing our carbon footprint."
(JG/GK)
Councillor Alan Lawther said that a smart grid should be constructed for Northern Ireland and that more progress needs to be made to harness geothermal energy here.
The Antrim councillor also said that to ensure Northern Ireland is not held back from reaching its potential in this sector, Stormont needs to be "radical" in delivering a renewable energy policy.
Cllr Lawther has called for several actions to be taken including a policy ensured by DETI to allow Antrim to harness the abundant geothermal heat available in the area.
He commented: "Since we first discussed this, several areas in England have managed to get projects well under way and we could be left behind. Some councillors were in Germany to see the potential of a geothermal heating system and all were very impressed."
Cllr Lawther is calling on the Stormont Executive to match England in the way it encourages the installation of PV roof panels.
He added: "PV cells generate electricity from the sun. I believe that having an increased grants scheme for renewable energy system installation is crucial. Also, I discovered that Antrim and other councils charge £160 for building control fees on these installations and I have asked that we review these fees, and hope they can be greatly reduced to encourage people to invest in this zero carbon energy.
"All these measures could be easily done and will reduce our dependence on oil and gas, as well as reducing our carbon footprint."
(JG/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
