A report in the Irish News says that Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks has connected more than 1.2GW of renewable energy to the electricity network over the last decade — “equivalent to a quarter of the total energy consumed from renewables, mainly wind and solar power.” (www.nienetworks.co.uk)

Stormont’s current ‘green energy’ target is for renewables to make up 40% of the grid capacity by 2020.

Michael Atkinson, head of generation connections at NIE Networks, said this is a significant advance in the integration of renewable energy as part of the North’s energy mix.

“In the last five years, we have seen many challenges and have taken an innovative approach, as we essentially ‘reverse-engineered’ the electricity network to accommodate the new generating capability.

“Capacity limits, the removal of the planning permission stipulation for new applications and an immense workload have tested both our resources and our network.”

Recent government policies to encourage more electricity from renewable sources have led to a new wave of generation in the field, with considerable investment made to strengthen and extend the electricity system in rural areas where wind farms, anaerobic digesters or tidal generators are being sited.

“Renewable energy will contribute to the next generation’s environmental future; at NIE Networks, we will continue to work with interested customers to maximise the contribution from these energy sources,” said Mr Atkinson.