Renewable energy generation in Northern Ireland achieved a significant milestone, with more than half of the region’s electricity coming from renewable sources during the year ending in June. This result exceeded the previous record established in 2022, marking a notable achievement in the territory’s energy transition efforts.
Wind power dominated the renewable generation mix, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all renewable electricity produced. Bioenergy sources, including anaerobic digestion, incineration, and fermentation processes, contributed just under one-fifth of renewable generation. Solar energy accounted for 6% of the total, while landfill gas and hydro/tidal generation each provided 1% of renewable electricity.
The data also showed that renewable generation has consistently exceeded non-renewable generation on a sustained basis since January. When accounting for imported electricity alongside domestic production, renewable sources equalled the previous high of 50%, achieved during the 2022/23 period.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald characterized the increased renewable energy capacity as a pathway toward reducing exposure to volatile global energy markets. She highlighted concerns about rising fossil fuel costs affecting both businesses and households, particularly lower-income communities, and stated that expanding renewable electricity generation would contribute to more stable and equitable pricing for consumers.
Northern Ireland has established a target of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The recent improvement follows several years of reduced renewable generation, attributed in part to weather variations and a high rate of turbine dispatch reduction, a measure taken to protect grid stability due to capacity limitations when managing renewable energy fluctuations.
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