13-fold increase in renewable projects

In the financial year 2002/03, there were no applications for renewable energy projects in the Borough, with just two the following year.

The number of applications has increased dramatically since that time, reaching a peak in Limavady in 2010/11 of 29 applications. The figures for the current financial year, 2012/13, show that there have been 26 applications. It should be noted, however, that figures for the current financial year relate to applications received up to February 28, 2013.

From 2002/03 to 2012/13, there have been 106 planning applications for renewable energy projects in the Limavady Borough.

The 2012/13 figures for Limavady are low in comparison with other areas, notably the Omagh and Fermanagh council areas, where over one quarter of all renewable energy applications in Northern Ireland have been lodged in the current year.

Information on the number of renewable energy planning applications will now be published for the first time on a monthly basis, the Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced.

The provisional statistics will be issued in response to growing levels of public interest in this area, particularly with regard to single wind turbines and wind farms which have seen rapid increases in applications in recent years.

Mr Attwood said: “Renewable energy and technology is one of our single biggest economic opportunities. It has the potential to be a significant driver of our economy. I welcome the fact that these are going to be monthly updates on the number of renewable energy planning applications.

“In the last 10 years we have seen a 27-fold increase in renewable energy applications. Over the past two years, my Department has received a large number of queries seeking information about planning applications for all types of renewable energy.

“In the face of strong and continuing interest from elected representatives and the public in planning application for renewable energy proposals, I have today introduced a new statistical service on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal dedicated to providing up-to-date information on planning applications for renewable energy proposals.

“Northern Ireland has set a goal to generate 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. The imperative to achieve this target and develop the industry at the same time has great appeal. Wind Energy already makes a significant contribution toward meeting these important targets. Its role is set to increase as existing approved developments are constructed and commissioned and others receive consent.”

A set of pre-defined tables are now available providing, for the current year, a monthly breakdown of renewable energy applications and decisions by renewable energy type. In addition to overall NI level figures, equivalent information can be obtained at both Local Government District and Parliamentary Constituency level. A historic annual series is also available going back to 2002/03.