Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland is published quarterly. In the twelve months to March 2026, 3,382 GWh of renewable electricity was generated from onshore wind and solar, 38.4 per cent of Gross Final Electricity Consumption.
“This follows a series of disappointing outputs from the Department, following the publication of the Energy Strategy Action Plan 2026” said RenewableNI Director, Mark Richardson. “Today’s figures risk presenting a false narrative. While the headline figures may appear stable, the underlying reality is that Northern Ireland is not making progress at the pace required. We are moving backwards at a time when our neighbours are progressing. Achieving energy security is a critical strategic priority for governments across the world.”
Mr Richardson added that removing Northern Ireland’s exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets is needed to protect consumers from price shocks and to sustain and grow the economy. He explained that the decline is even worse than it may seem as formatting of these reports now includes electricity imported from GB as well as bioenergy.
“The change in methodology makes like-for-like comparisons more difficult and risks obscuring underlying performance” Mr Richardson said. “At a meeting with DfE officials yesterday, RenewableNI raised the importance of the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG) for our energy security, to protect homes and businesses across the region and to increase investment in Northern Ireland. We raised concerns about the Action Plan 2026 and welcomed clarity on expected delivery by the end of the year and the continued aim to bring forward REPG to the Assembly before summer recess. We also raised planning reform delivery and grid connection reform as essential for the delivery of renewable energy. RenewableNI will continue to engage with the Department over the coming months. While Northern Ireland is rich in renewable resources, time is not one of them. It is vital we see policy action soon before the economy and NI citizens miss out on the renewable opportunities.”
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