The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed the decision by the Utility Regulator to permit investment up to £2.3m to facilitate the additional small scale generation export from the 11kV network to the 33kV network.
Commenting on the announcement UFU Rural Enterprise Chairman Gary Hawkes said; “Regulatory approval covers investments at 40 primary (33kV) substations. Applicants in these areas, who have received “conditional” connection offers will now be able to proceed with their small scale generation projects. The “conditional” offers materialised due to certain parts of the grid being full to capacity and whilst these modest investments will not reduce the generation connection costs they do open up the opportunity for these small scale generation projects to proceed.”
Gary added; “The UFU are also encouraged by the publication of a “Heat Map” by NIE, which illustrates areas in Northern Ireland where capacity is already full. This will act as guide for landowners wanting to make a decision on where to locate renewable projects.”
In concluding Mr Hawkes said “The UFU is calling on NIE to deliver on the approved investments as quickly as possible so that applicants can progress with their generation projects.”
