Developing an Efficient Market Structure for Renewable Energy

Electricity watchdog, OFREG, is seeking views on how to operate an efficient market structure which will promote and encourage the development of electricity generation in Northern Ireland from renewable sources.

At present renewables account for about two percent of the electricity generating capacity in Northern Ireland. The market for the sale of renewable electricity is technically fully open in that a renewable generator or supplier can sell to any customer. But none of the existing initiatives has been successful in increasing substantially the stock of renewable generation in the Northern Ireland market nor has there been significant investment by large scale generators.

An OFREG consultation paper published today “Making It Happen Faster - Accelerating Trading of Renewable Electricity” aims to expand upon the work carried out by a representative body – the Trading Renewables Implementation Group (TRIG). This Group was set up to discuss the issues surrounding both small scale renewables and larger renewable schemes.

Copies are available from OFREG, Brookmount Buidings, 42 Fountain Street, Belfast, BT1 5EE,
Tel. 028 9031 1575, Fax. 028 9031 1740

For further information or to arrange an interview with Douglas McIldoon, please contact Nick Carson on 028 9127 5965 or 07711 482807