NI to source 40% of electricity from renewable cheap energy sources - 28/09/2010
Northern Ireland has set a goal to generate 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable cheap energy sources by 2020.
In order to reach this target, energy suppliers will need power from large offshore wind farms, tidal turbines such those in Seagen, Strangford Lough and waste incinerators.
Energy minister Arlene Foster said the energy targets set out in the Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland 2010 highlight the need for effective action to tackle climate change and show the importance of addressing other policy objectives relating to security and the sustainability of supply and costs.
BBC Northern Ireland environment correspondent Mike McKimm said meeting these targets could add as much as £100 to consumers' bills.
"The alternative would leave us at the mercy of international oil and gas prices which are expected to rise dramatically over the next few years," he said.
Less than ten per cent of electricity in Northern Ireland is currently generated from alternative energy such as onshore wind farms.
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