The share of electricity used in Northern Ireland that comes from renewable sources has fallen to 43.1%.

The figures, released by the department for the economy last week, show 43.1% of Northern Ireland’s electricity came from renewable generation in the year to June.

This marks a continued decline in the percentage of Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity since the record of 51% in the calendar year 2022.

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The Renewable Electricity Generation Report, published quarterly based on the previous 12 months, shows renewable generation was 3,123GWh, with onshore wind accounting for 81.7%.

Biogas accounted for 6.8% of renewable electricity, biomass for 5.1%, while solar PV accounted for just 4%.

Way off target

Judith Rance of RenewableNI explained: “These figures will show slight changes every quarter due to changes in the weather, but they should be increasing as we invest in renewables. Unfortunately, few new projects are being developed and we are on a downward trend.

“Northern Ireland has an obligation to achieve 80% by 2030, set in the climate act. While today’s figure might seem like we are halfway there, renewable generation needs to more than double to meet the demands of the electrification of heat and transport.

“Northern Ireland is missing out. Every new turbine, solar and battery storage connection brings costs down for consumers, provides energy security and reduces carbon emissions. The time has come for our elected representatives to take account of this inaction,” she said.