Wind power “pivotal” for Northern Ireland

Wind turbines are set to adorn the Ulster countryside if Northern Ireland’s environment minister gets his way.

Edwin Poots believes wind farms are the key to Northern Ireland meeting its renewable energy targets.

Wind power will play a “pivotal role” in ensuring Northern Ireland meets of target of producing 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The minister made the comments during a keynote speech at an Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) workshop this week in Belfast.

“While other renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly important role, I believe it is the mature technology of wind energy that will provide the most significant contribution toward the achievement of this target.” he said.

“I am firmly committed to supporting the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies so that together we can meet our commitments to tackle climate change.”

The IWEA estimates that expanding Northern Ireland’s renewable energy industry will create 1,300 jobs.

Northern Ireland is 99% reliant on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs.