Energy strategy sparks renewed interest in offshore wind in Northern Ireland

“Given our need to diversify the renewable technology mix, we will renew our focus on marine technologies,” said the document. “We are committed to offshore wind forming a part of our future renewable electricity generation mix and we are seeking to ensure the correct environment is in place to attract investment opportunities in offshore and marine developments in Northern Ireland waters.

“Our focus will be facilitating pre-commercial test and demonstration sites in the 2020s which will put us on a clear pathway to commercialisation by the early 2030s or sooner if possible.”

The strategy is intended to provide a clear direction for investment and the policies required to support new renewable generation. “Although it is now cheaper to invest in large-scale renewable generation than fossil fuel plants, developers need better revenue certainty to take forward projects,” the document said.

“We are currently working with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy to explore whether we can extend the contracts for difference scheme currently operating in Great Britain to Northern Ireland, with a view to inclusion for the next Allocation Round in 2023. If not, we will seek to put in place an alternative support mechanism for investors.

“We are confident that with the correct support in place, and future developments of the electricity network and planning policy, we will continue to build on our success in this area to date.

“A review of strategic planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy is currently being taken forward to ensure it remains fit for purpose to enable appropriate development in appropriate locations. We will consult on this in 2022.

The strategy outlines two different renewable energy scenarios. In the ‘Power Play’ scenario Northern Ireland relies on the success of the renewable electricity sector. High levels of electrification take advantage of a larger renewable electricity base and increased generation capacity is met through a combination of solar photovoltaic, offshore wind and marine technology. In addition, there is an expansion of onshore wind, aligned with improved demand-side management and flexibility measures.

In a ‘Flexible Fit’ scenario that takes greater account of regional differences in Northern Ireland and includes higher levels of both local involvement and local responses to the energy transition, electrification remains at the centre of the energy system, and there is greater use of fuels such as

hydrogen and biofuels.

Unveiling the strategy, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said it is designed to ensure Northern Ireland’s energy is secure, affordable and clean for future generations. The Minister said, ““Recent energy price rises are impacting on every person and business in Northern Ireland. This is happening because of the global price volatility that comes with fossil fuels. Our new strategy sets out how we will work towards phasing out fossil fuels, ending this volatility and ensuring that more of the money we spend on energy stays in the local economy and helps to create wealth and jobs. The Path to Net Zero Energy sets out a path to 2030 that will mobilise the skills, technologies and behaviours needed to take us towards net zero carbon and affordable energy by 2050.”

RenewableNI head Steven Agnew said, “RenewableNI fully supports this strategy’s ambition to deliver wholly decarbonised electricity as a core enabler of a net zero carbon and affordable energy system.

“It is vital that there is a clear action plan to implement the strategy. As the only part of the UK without a strategy, we are lagging far behind everyone else. Failure to act puts £3.1B GVA for the Northern Ireland economy at risk, and results in a loss of confidence of the renewables industry.”

Until recently, the Department of Economy maintained that Northern Ireland’s coastline was not suitable for offshore wind development because of concerns about the ‘visual impact’ of potential sites. As a result Northern Ireland was excluded from a 2019 offshore wind leasing round by seabed authority the Crown Estate.