Isra-Mart srl:Northern Ireland boosts renewable energy subsidies

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The Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday approved amendments to the province's renewable energy subsidy scheme, upping payments for energy generated through anaerobic digestion and bringing tariffs for older renewable energy generators in line with those agreed for new projects last year.

The changes to the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) mean that electricity generated from anaerobic digestion (AD) stations up to 500kW capacity will be supported by four tradable Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) per megawatt hour rather than two from April 2011, while facilities between 501kW and 5MW will receive three ROCs.

By comparison, the Renewables Obligation in England and Wales offers payments equivalent to two ROCs for anaerobic digestion plants of any size.

Last year, the Assembly increased support for a number of technologies and today's alterations allow onshore wind, hydro or solar photovoltaic generators accredited before 1 April 2010 to receive this higher level of support for any additional generating capacity.

The new regulations also ensure that micro-generators installing renewable electricity-generating equipment have to meet Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) requirements, and introduce biomass and bio-liquids sustainability criteria.

"This legislation is great news for anyone who generates renewable electricity as it will provide enhanced support, as well as bring wider benefits, particularly to rural and farming communities," said energy minister Arlene Foster. "It will encourage electricity generation from a wide range of renewable sources and ensure that the NIRO continues to adapt to the needs of the industry."

Northern Ireland has been stepping up its efforts to increase its renewable energy sector after setting itself a target to ensure 40 per cent of its electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

Earlier this month, the Crown Estate announced it would be inviting developers to identify the most attractive areas for marine energy ahead of a full leasing round, potentially kick-starting construction of a gigawatt's worth of new capacity later this year.