Write a commentSlieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne has welcomed the publication of new figures that reveal an increase in renewable energy generation over the last 12 months. 43.7% of total energy consumption was generated from renewable sources.
It follows a recently published report from the NI Statistics and Research Agency on Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in NI.
Cllr Byrne said that the North should seek to become a world leader in renewable technologies, exploiting the power and supply of our natural assets.
He said:
“A 3% increase in electricity generation through renewable sources is good news and it’s part of a sustained increase in clean energy production over the last decade. We are now well on our way to generating more than half of our electricity needs through clean, green energy production.
“The vast majority of this energy still comes from wind power accounting for over 84% of all renewable electricity generation. That will come as no surprise after a spate of storms that have buffeted the island. It’s important, however, that we seek diverse sources of renewable energy and aren’t overly reliant on any single method. That means exploring hydroelectric power, looking at our geothermal hot spots and investing in research into new clean biomass tech.
“Our goal should be to lead on research into clean, green technologies, diversifying our economy and helping to avoid irreversible climate breakdown. The potential is here, we have to make a choice to pursue it.”
