Menu
08/10/2003
UK Energy Minister launches new initiative in Belfast
A new initiative to encourage the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland is being launched today in Belfast by UK Energy Minister, Stephen Timms.
The Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates will enable renewable energy producers to show that their electricity comes from a green source, meaning energy buyers have an assurance of the greenness of the product.
Mr Timms, speaking at the Action Renewables Conference in King’s Hall Conference Centre, Belfast, said: “All producers of electricity from eligible renewables will be able to request these electronic certificates. The system will be flexible enough to cope with requests from small, even domestic scale generators.
"Northern Ireland is very well placed to take advantage of this scheme, and I envisage that it is likely to be most attractive and useful for those who wish to do business internationally.”
It is not possible for Northern Irish renewable energy producers to take part in the Renewable Obligation Certificate scheme, which benefits green energy producers in Great Britain. The new REGO scheme, however, will include Northern Irish generators, and will help them do business across borders. REGOs will be available to generators of all sizes, will come into effect later this month and will be issued by Ofreg.
The new scheme is introduced at a time when Northern Ireland is benefiting from the enormous potential the countryside and coastline offer. The recently opened Altahullion windfarm and a £2 million grant for a wood-fired bioenergy plant in Enniskillen, are just two examples of large renewable energy projects in the province.
Northern Ireland is also embracing the renewable energy revolution with small scale projects like the Church of the Nativity building in Dunmurry, which received funding from the UK Government’s £10 million Clear Skies programme last week.
Mr Timms highlighted the importance of planning for renewable energy projects and welcomed the Department of Environment’s review of planning guidance announced today.
The implementation of the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation is planned for April 2005, which will permit the trading of renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) right across the UK.
(MB)
The Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates will enable renewable energy producers to show that their electricity comes from a green source, meaning energy buyers have an assurance of the greenness of the product.
Mr Timms, speaking at the Action Renewables Conference in King’s Hall Conference Centre, Belfast, said: “All producers of electricity from eligible renewables will be able to request these electronic certificates. The system will be flexible enough to cope with requests from small, even domestic scale generators.
"Northern Ireland is very well placed to take advantage of this scheme, and I envisage that it is likely to be most attractive and useful for those who wish to do business internationally.”
It is not possible for Northern Irish renewable energy producers to take part in the Renewable Obligation Certificate scheme, which benefits green energy producers in Great Britain. The new REGO scheme, however, will include Northern Irish generators, and will help them do business across borders. REGOs will be available to generators of all sizes, will come into effect later this month and will be issued by Ofreg.
The new scheme is introduced at a time when Northern Ireland is benefiting from the enormous potential the countryside and coastline offer. The recently opened Altahullion windfarm and a £2 million grant for a wood-fired bioenergy plant in Enniskillen, are just two examples of large renewable energy projects in the province.
Northern Ireland is also embracing the renewable energy revolution with small scale projects like the Church of the Nativity building in Dunmurry, which received funding from the UK Government’s £10 million Clear Skies programme last week.
Mr Timms highlighted the importance of planning for renewable energy projects and welcomed the Department of Environment’s review of planning guidance announced today.
The implementation of the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation is planned for April 2005, which will permit the trading of renewable obligation certificates (ROCs) right across the UK.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2005
WWF welcomes all-island renewable energy plans
WWF Northern Ireland has welcomed plans by the British and Irish Government's to secure cost effective, environmentally friendly power sources for the future of Ireland, north and south.
WWF welcomes all-island renewable energy plans
WWF Northern Ireland has welcomed plans by the British and Irish Government's to secure cost effective, environmentally friendly power sources for the future of Ireland, north and south.
08 April 2022
Third Of NI Power Comes From Renewable Sources
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI.
Third Of NI Power Comes From Renewable Sources
Up to three quarters of the electricity in the electricity grid can now come from variable renewable sources following the completion of a ground-breaking project by grid operator SONI.
22 April 2022
Indigenous Renewable Energy System Economic Necessity
The creation of an indigenous Renewable Energy System in Northern Ireland has become an economic necessity, Dr Len O'Hagan, NI Water Chairman has said.
Indigenous Renewable Energy System Economic Necessity
The creation of an indigenous Renewable Energy System in Northern Ireland has become an economic necessity, Dr Len O'Hagan, NI Water Chairman has said.
20 January 2011
Renewable Energy Gets Powerful Boost
A new association is being formed today aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power. The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
Renewable Energy Gets Powerful Boost
A new association is being formed today aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind power. The Northern Ireland Renewable Industry Group (NIRIG), which represents the collective voices of Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) and RenewableUK in Northern Ireland, was officially launched on Thursday.
03 September 2009
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A largely cloudy day with occasional rain. Turning drier and brighter for a time in the afternoon and feeling very mild. Light southerly winds becoming strong with gales later along the County Down coast. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these heavy at times. Strong southerly winds, with gales in the evening across eastern counties, becoming westerly later. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
