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QPANI calls for fast-tracking of renewable energy projects

THE Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) has thrown its full support behind DETINI Minister Arlene Foster, encouraging her to progress the Strategic Energy Framework as quickly as possible and stressing that it must include the fast-tracking of land- and sea-based renewable energy projects.

‘Given the unprecedented downturn that the aggregates and construction industries have experienced recently, and the significant increases in energy costs and the longer-term uncertainty of overseas energy supply, our Executive must make the fast-tracking of land- and sea-based renewable energy projects, and the urgent upgrade of the electricity transmission grid, a key priority,’ said QPANI regional director Gordon Best.

He added: ‘I can forgive people who may see this as self-interest from our industry, as we would benefit significantly from the huge amounts of stone and concrete required for these energy projects, but large wind farms at sea have the added medium-to-longer-term benefit of creating sanctuaries for sea life and underwater biodiversity, as ships and fishing vessels would be prohibited from entering areas where wind turbines are located.

‘Within the quarry products sector, we are doing our bit to reduce our carbon footprint with energy efficiency being a key priority for many, the use of low-carbon road materials and many members erecting their own wind turbines to generate their own energy.

‘As an organization we are part of the Green New Deal Group and we recognize that significant investment, both public and private, in renewable energy and whole-life, low-carbon construction presents a unique opportunity to create and sustain thousands of jobs and create a legacy for future generations.

‘The island of Ireland has the potential to be virtually self-sufficient in renewable energy terms; we just need the will and the drive to get it done and that is why we are calling on the Executive, particularly those Ministers with influence over energy policy, planning and environment, finance and regional development, to work together to make this happen.

Mr Best added that QPANI would also encourage our political representatives to show real leadership and take the general public on a journey to remove the ‘not in my back yard’ attitude that is prevalent in Northern Ireland. Whether it be energy from waste plants, wind farms or gas storage, Mr Best said the majority of such projects are for the greater good of Northern Ireland plc, and ways must be sought to compensate or incentivize local residents who are impacted by such projects.

‘The reality is, if we are to reduce the number of oil tankers coming down Belfast Lough and our dependence on fuel from volatile areas of the world, reduce our carbon emissions and give our children a future where energy supply is secure, then we need to act and act now.’

 
 

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