Northern Ireland achieved a renewable energy milestone, with renewables providing 53% of the region’s electricity in the year to June, exceeding the previous record of 50% established in 2022/23. This represents the first sustained period in which renewable generation has consistently outpaced non-renewable generation, beginning in January.
Wind energy dominated renewable electricity production, contributing nearly three-quarters of the renewable total at 74%. Bioenergy sources, including anaerobic digestion, incineration, and fermentation processes, accounted for just under one-fifth of renewable generation at 18%. Solar energy provided 6% of renewable electricity, while landfill gas and hydro/tidal generation each contributed 1%.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald characterized the expansion of renewable capacity as instrumental in addressing energy cost concerns. She noted that increased renewable generation would help the region transition away from the price instability associated with volatile fossil fuel markets, potentially benefiting households and businesses, particularly those with limited financial resources.
The achievement follows a period of reduced renewable output in previous years, which officials attributed partly to weather fluctuations affecting generation capacity. Additionally, Northern Ireland experiences significant curtailment rates, where wind turbines are deliberately shut down during periods of low demand to prevent grid instability caused by the inherent variability of renewable sources.
The region maintains an ambitious target of sourcing 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, positioning this latest milestone as a critical step in the broader transition toward net zero emissions and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
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