Comment
Tackling climate change: an all-Ireland initiative?
Whilst there is continuing uncertainty in Ireland about the implications of Brexit and the future of cross border co-operation, what is certain is the imperative to co-operate to achieve a low carbon future as we advance to net zero by 2050. So, how are we faring in our approach to implementing green energy policy and what more can be done?
The renewable electricity landscape in the Republic of Ireland is a game of two halves. The state currently holds the envious position of having the highest share of onshore wind electricity in the world, with onshore wind farms supplying almost 37% of electricity over the first six months of 2020 [1]. However, despite this ranking and a route to meet the 40% renewable energy target by 2020, there is a growing sense that the planning system could do more to support the delivery of renewable energy projects. This sentiment comes on the back of a report released in September 2020, which warns that Ireland is unlikely to achieve the Climate Action Plan’s target of 70% renewable electricity by 2030 because of planning system challenges [2].
Recent news of a Climate Bill advancing in the Northern Ireland Assembly is a welcome milestone for supporters of the green industry. Despite climate change being identified as an immediate strategic priority in the “New Decade, New Approach” deal, Northern Ireland is currently the only part of the UK that does not have its own climate legislation. It does, however, contribute to wider UK targets on emissions reductions. In comparison, and in the context that Northern Ireland and Ireland make up the Single Electricity Market, the Republic’s Climate Action Plan 2019 sets out almost 200 actions to tackle climate break down and achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Key to achieving this ambitious objective is 70% of all electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2030.
Actions to respond to those criticisms of systemic planning issues are focussed on the pre-planning and Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) process, seeking better alignment of policy and processes to deliver a faster route to grid, and eventual export from sites.
Cause for optimism
That’s not to say the picture is all downbeat. Larger firms, such as Amazon, have in the past shown commitment to renewable energy, such as its project in Donegal, as part of a long term goal to power its global infrastructure completely with renewable energy. The country has experienced a catalyst of corporate prioritisation and commitment to change, however there is more to give.
Attention is shifting to the enormous offshore wind potential, with only a single operational offshore wind farm at the Arklow Bank Wind Park (25MW). Tapping into the resource here must be advanced in tandem with supporting factors such as upskilling of the industry, servicing of offshore assets, development of enterprise hubs, and the construction/supplementation of ports to be capable of supporting the offshore asset. Despite all this there is huge potential.
The need for a joined-up policy approach
It has been 10 years since Northern Ireland strategic energy policy was shaped in the form of the Strategic Energy Framework (SEF). The SEF set a target of 40% of electricity used to be from renewable sources by 2020, introduced alignment of market incentives, unveiled a facilitative planning regime and secured grid investment. As work advances by the Department for Economy (DfE) in drafting a new Energy Strategy, the Minister, Diane Dodds, recently set out her vision for NI renewable energy targets which are not to be below 70% by 2030. This sits comparably, mirroring the RoI targets. It is expected that DfE will publish the Energy Strategy by the end of 2021 and there is the opportunity to emphasise the role renewables has to play in a post pandemic ‘green recovery’.
However, the NI Energy Strategy will only be a success if all strands of public policy once again align to create a supportive environment for renewables. Renewable Electricity Pipeline Statistics [3], published by DfE in September 2020, show a growing capacity in NI, with onshore wind accounting for some 76% of total renewable generations. However, there is recognition that there are potential barriers to implementation with the statistics indicating that a two year stall in construction could result in a potential loss of 212 MW of capacity due to projected planning permission timeframes. It is increasingly apparent that onshore wind is unlikely to contribute to the extent that we have witnessed to date. The industry must look to other technologies.
The pipeline data, accounting for some 1,208 MW, shows growing contribution from other technologies such as solar PV, energy from waste and battery storage, and the DfE Minister’s thoughts on hydrogen as an opportunity are well publicised. From an onshore perspective, and as technologies advance, there is also repowering potential, extension opportunities and revision of consented/operational schemes, along with the capability of co-location.
Any new strategic direction for energy across the island of Ireland must consider the existing energy mix and how it will be reshaped, as well as considering energy demand. The approval in September 2020 of the highly anticipated North South Interconnector was welcomed by industry leaders as an important step in securing a high capacity and resilient link between the two grids of Ireland, north and south. With the electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) Managing Director, Jo Aston commenting ‘The North South Interconnector is undoubtedly the most important infrastructure scheme on the island today’ [4], there is little doubt of its contribution to the network and unlocking Ireland’s energy potential.
Not just renewables
And the context for climate change is not just about renewable generations. As the low carbon economy will be a consumer driven transition, it requires improved community engagement in policy making and planning, and raising public awareness in a drive for change. Across the island of Ireland environmentally resilient cities and regions will require efficient housing and buildings, and sustainable transport connectivity with land zonings. A low carbon future and meaningful response to the climate change emergency will involve radically changing our behaviour as citizens, in industry and government, and becoming more energy efficient. Generating renewable energy, moving to lower emission fuels and adopting new technologies is only one dimension. The strategic decisions, for policy makers and industry providers alike, on the next steps in green growth across the island, will be important as sights are set to deliver more.
All of this in the context of essential north south co-operation within the Single Electricity Market. As leaders and policy makers look to shape the landscape for change in a low carbon future, much can be learned from the respective jurisdictions in terms of target aspirations, technological advances, system deliverability and adaptation to change. The challenges are great but within the Island of Ireland there is the capability to make a positive impactful difference in addressing climate change.
We have offices in Dublin, Derry and Belfast and are members of RenewableNI. We have extensive experience in successfully promoting proposals for renewable energy developments through the planning system and advocating policy adaptions. Please contact Sara Tinsley or Seamus Donohoe for further details.
25 November 2020
[1] Renewables 2020 Global Status Report
[2] Building Onshore Wind, Irish Wind Energy Association
[3] Renewable Electricity Pipeline For Northern Ireland, September 2020
[4] SONI Welcomes Infrastructure Minister’s Decision On Critical North South Interconnector