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03/11/2005
£50m fund will make NI European energy 'leader'
The new £50 million ‘Energy and Environment Fund’ will make Northern Ireland a European leader in the development and use of clean, renewable energy forms.
This was the message from Energy Minister Angela Smith who also told delegates at the annual Northern Ireland Energy Conference that the province's energy infrastructure will have received capital investment of £750 million by 2012.
“Government’s commitment of £50 million for the new Energy and Environment Fund shows that tackling climate change is a top priority and that we are determined to harness clean and renewable sources of energy and achieve success in energy efficiency," the Minister said.
“This work will place Northern Ireland at the leading edge of renewable energy development. This means exploiting the opportunities for clean energy from solar photovoltaic panel, biomass and geothermal energy technologies as well as from our wind and tidal resources. Allied to this exploratory work will be an emphasis on energy efficiency measures."
The Minister also told delegates that work is continuing towards the creation of a single wholesale electricity market on the island of Ireland: “We are just some 18 months away from a single market," she continued. "It will secure greater competition, enhanced security and diversity of supply and will put a downward pressure on costs through economies and efficiencies of scale. In addition, it will provide a more attractive investment environment and has the potential to deliver some £41million to Northern Ireland over 10 years.”
The Energy and Environment Fund is one of three ring-fenced priority funding packages that will provide a total of £45 million in 2006/07 and £55 million in 2007/08, and which were announced in the Draft Budget.
The others are Children and Young People, and Skills and Science.
(MB/SP)
This was the message from Energy Minister Angela Smith who also told delegates at the annual Northern Ireland Energy Conference that the province's energy infrastructure will have received capital investment of £750 million by 2012.
“Government’s commitment of £50 million for the new Energy and Environment Fund shows that tackling climate change is a top priority and that we are determined to harness clean and renewable sources of energy and achieve success in energy efficiency," the Minister said.
“This work will place Northern Ireland at the leading edge of renewable energy development. This means exploiting the opportunities for clean energy from solar photovoltaic panel, biomass and geothermal energy technologies as well as from our wind and tidal resources. Allied to this exploratory work will be an emphasis on energy efficiency measures."
The Minister also told delegates that work is continuing towards the creation of a single wholesale electricity market on the island of Ireland: “We are just some 18 months away from a single market," she continued. "It will secure greater competition, enhanced security and diversity of supply and will put a downward pressure on costs through economies and efficiencies of scale. In addition, it will provide a more attractive investment environment and has the potential to deliver some £41million to Northern Ireland over 10 years.”
The Energy and Environment Fund is one of three ring-fenced priority funding packages that will provide a total of £45 million in 2006/07 and £55 million in 2007/08, and which were announced in the Draft Budget.
The others are Children and Young People, and Skills and Science.
(MB/SP)
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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.
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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.
31 July 2008
"Squandered" Potential Of NI Renewable Energy Industry
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09 July 2003
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.
30 June 2003
Wind farm underscores commitment to renewable energy
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson, has announced an increase of 80% in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy generation capacity.
Wind farm underscores commitment to renewable energy
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Ian Pearson, has announced an increase of 80% in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy generation capacity.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
