What's Happening?
Renewable energy generation in Northern Ireland is experiencing a decline, as reported by an industry body. The latest figures indicate that in the 12 months leading up to September 2025, 44.2% of electricity
was sourced from renewables, marking a 0.3% decrease from the previous year. This decline continues a trend observed over the past three years, following a peak of 51% in 2022. Mark Richardson, director of RenewableNI, attributes this backward slide to delays in policy and infrastructure reforms. Although a Renewable Energy Price Guarantee (REPG) scheme was introduced earlier this year, its terms and conditions have not yet been presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The region has set a target to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, but the lack of a market support scheme is hindering progress.
Why It's Important?
The decline in renewable energy generation in Northern Ireland is significant as it highlights the challenges faced in meeting climate targets. The region's goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 is at risk due to policy and infrastructure delays. This situation underscores the importance of timely legislative action to support renewable energy projects. The stagnation in renewable energy development could have broader implications for energy security and economic growth, as well as for the region's ability to contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts. The reliance on renewable energy sources like wind, biogas, and biomass is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a sustainable energy future.
What's Next?
With 500 days remaining in the current assembly mandate, there is an urgent need for legislative action to address the delays in the Renewable Energy Price Guarantee scheme. The first auction for generation contracts under this scheme is expected in early 2027, but without immediate action, there is concern that the timeline will slip. The renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland is prepared to meet future demand, but requires market security and streamlined planning processes to move forward. The outcome of these legislative efforts will be critical in determining whether Northern Ireland can achieve its renewable energy targets and maintain its leadership in the transition to sustainable energy.
