THREE named storms contributed to a record breaking month for wind energy production across the north, SONI the System Operator for Northern Ireland, has said.
A total of 359 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity was generated by wind turbines in February, equivalent to 54 per cent of total electricity consumption in Northern Ireland coming from wind.
SONI said it marked a seven per cent increase on the previous record, set in January 2020.
The operator said that for almost two thirds (64 per cent) of the month, wind energy met more than 50 per cent of the north’s total electricity demand.
It said the record-breaking figures could be attributed in part to storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge. However SONI said it was evidence that its programme to manage more renewable energy on the electricity system is working.
The operator said its figures indicate that that renewable energy met 41 per cent of the electricity demand in Northern Ireland in the 12-month rolling period to the end of January 2020.
The Executive had set a target of 40 per cent by the end of 2020.
SONI's managing director, Jo Aston, said: “The progress that Northern Ireland has made in the past 15 years is truly incredible when you consider that renewable energy accounted for just three per cent of demand in 2005.
"We take our responsibility of managing the NI electricity grid and the single electricity market very seriously. As we look to deliver our new strategy to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint further, we are reassured by and proud of exceeding wind generation records and reaching renewable energy targets. This of course has been made possible by the dedicated staff at SONI.”
Ms Aston continued: “Our ambition is to continue to increase the amount of energy we consume from renewable sources over the next decade by developing the existing infrastructure and operational requirements. Over the next five years, progressing towards a decarbonised economy, while maximising value for consumers, will be at the heart of our work.”
