Northern Ireland achieved a record high in renewable energy usage for the year ending June, with 53% of its electricity derived from these sources, surpassing the previous record of 51% set in 2022. For the first time, renewable generation has consistently exceeded non-renewable generation since January.
Even when accounting for imported electricity, the proportion of renewables matched the previous record of 50%, established in the 2022/23 period. Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated that this increase in renewable energy will assist Northern Ireland in moving away from price volatility towards more stable and equitable pricing.
Wind power constituted the largest share of renewable electricity, providing 74%. Bioenergy sources, including anaerobic digestion, incineration, and fermentation, accounted for nearly one-fifth (18%). Solar energy contributed 6%, landfill gas 1%, and hydro/tidal generation also 1%.
Northern Ireland has set a target to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The recent increase follows several years where renewable generation levels had decreased, sometimes due to weather conditions or a high rate of "dispatch down." Dispatch down occurs when turbines are switched off due to insufficient demand for the generated power, a measure taken to protect the grid, which has limitations on carrying renewable energy due to its fluctuating nature.
Transitioning to increased renewable energy is considered a vital step in achieving net-zero emissions and moving away from fossil fuels. Archibald noted that the escalating global costs of fossil fuels are negatively impacting both businesses and households, particularly those with lower incomes. She reiterated that higher levels of renewable electricity production will lead to greater price stability and fairness for consumers.