The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has dismissed a document setting out the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) plans for a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme. It says the policy objectives are focused solely on large scale renewable electricity producers to the disadvantage of farmers as smaller scale electricity generators.
Commenting, UFU deputy president William Irvine said, “It is frustrating DfE has ignored the role of the land-based sector, specifically the need to support sub 500kW solutions. We submitted our response to the consultation last year, making clear that any new support scheme must be both broad and inclusive. This would ensure energy projects are supported not just at an industrial level, but for smaller farm scale renewable projects. Disappointingly, that is not part of the DfE’s plan.”
The UFU says the department has a responsibility to support renewable electricity generation in a way that maximises benefits for the rural community and farmers. It claims that instead it has chosen to ignore completely the micro to small renewable electricity generators.
“What is even more surprising is that DfE have failed to take into consideration that the land-based sector accounts for almost a quarter of renewable generation. Our members now provide enough power for 150,000 homes. It is frustrating DfE has ignored all the points we made. Agriculture can play an active role in reducing carbon emissions, both in terms of existing infrastructure and through innovative solutions we have been working on for many years. This potential has been ignored by DfE,” said Mr Irvine.
