07/08/2003

Renewable energy partnership spearheads action programme

A partnership between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Viridian Group launched today, aims to encourage the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland.

The key message of Action Renewables is ‘You Hold The Power’ and with this tagline Action Renewables will spearhead a drive to encourage the development of small-scale generation of renewable energy projects and provide clear, objective information about renewable energy opportunities in the province.

Energy Minister, Ian Pearson and Viridian Power & Energy’s Managing Director Harry McCracken launched the programme today when they met in the Craigantlet hills, where one local businessman has already taken action, by installing a wind-driven 20kw Jacob’s Turbine to provide energy for his heating and ventilation business.

Mr Pearson said: “The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s draft 10 year Energy Strategy includes a commitment to actively promote the benefits of renewable energy in pursuit of the suggested target of 12% of all electricity consumed by 2012.

“Renewable energy generating capacity in Northern Ireland has increased by 80% over the past year and more can be achieved by unlocking the potential for small-scale local generation. Action Renewables will encourage the development of smaller scale projects by providing important advice and support to local communities and individual householders.

“I am delighted the Viridian Group is working with my Department in taking this important initiative forward. The commercial focus they provide will enhance considerably the delivery of the Action Renewables programme.”

Viridian Power & Energy MD Harry McCracken said: “Renewable energy resources are plentiful in Northern Ireland, however if they are to be harvested to their full potential, initiatives such as this one are required to identify the opportunities and give encouragement to entrepreneurs and developers.

“The Action Renewables campaign will focus on a number of key areas to facilitate the development of renewable energy, including provision of a new advice service for householders and communities, the introduction of an education programme for schools, as well as tackling the harder issues such as identifying the opportunities geographically and exploring new technologies such as marine turbines.”

The first stage of an Action Renewables awareness campaign, will be followed by a number of other public initiatives.

For further information visit the Action Renewables website at www.actionrenewables.org

or call the freephone Action Renewables helpline on 0800 512012.

(SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 March 2007
Renewable energy grants hit £1m mark
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Enterprises (DETI) has processed £1 million worth of grant claims through its renewable energy initiative – Reconnect.
16 February 2007
Reconnect to renewable energy at Forestside Shopping Centre
Ever-increasing fuel bills and the threat to the environment by fossil fuels, mean it’s time to reconnect to renewable energy; the clean and efficient alternative.

 This is the message from Action Renewables, as they prepare to showcase renewable energy and climate change issues at Forestside Shopping Centre on February 24-25 2007.
26 September 2005
Environmentally friendly energy source probed
A new study has revealed Northern Ireland's future ability for generating heat for buildings, and possibly even electricity, from energy in the ground. The Action Renewables study examines the geothermal resource potential in Northern Ireland.
25 July 2003
Natural energy has power to provide says youngsters
Young people from across Belfast got to grips with the power of natural energy sources at the launch of NIE's Action Renewables campaign this week.
12 March 2014
Renewable Energy Helps Create Prosperity - Foster
The generation of renewable energy can play a significant role in creating prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland, according to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.