photo by The World Wants a Real Deal (Flickr CC)
Currently Northern Ireland produces 10% of its energy from renewable sources, primarily on shore wind farms.
After Scotland threw down the gauntlet and announced an 80% renewable energy target for 2020 and Wales pledged to increase the amount of energy they produce from green sources by 200%, its now Northern Ireland’s turn.
Though not as ambitious as Scotland’s, NI new energy plan puts their target at 40% renewables by 2020.
From a BBC News report:
Reaching the target will need large offshore wind farms, tidal turbines like Seagen in Strangford Lough and even using energy from controversial sources including waste incinerators.
Environmental campaign group WWF has voiced criticism at Northern Irelands decidedly less ambitious plan.
From a report in the Belfast Telegraph:
This Scottish target highlights how far behind Northern Ireland is in moving to a more sustainable, more energy independent, low carbon future.
–Malachy Campbell, climate change policy officer, WWF Northern Ireland
