Belfast, 31 January - Renewable energy accounted for 36% of electricity used in Northern Ireland during 2018, according to new analysis from SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland).

These are the highest-ever levels of renewable generation on Northern Ireland’s power system and provide a clear indication that Northern Ireland is on track to meet its target of 40% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2020.

Robin McCormick, General Manager, SONI commented: “These figures are very reassuring in the context of the 2020 targets. We are pushing the laws of physics in order to meet the challenge of integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy onto the electricity system and it is encouraging to see the positive results of this work.”

Northern Ireland has a target of meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020.

The analysis shows that while 36% of electricity demand in Northern Ireland during 2018 was met by renewable sources; in 2017 the figure was 31% - demonstrating a clear increase year-on-year.

Wind power makes up the vast majority of the renewable resources in Northern Ireland, followed by solar-power.

SONI’s  ground-breaking Delivering a Secure Sustainable Electricity System (DS3) programme of work has made it possible to reach the 36%. Under the programme, SONI is now managing up to 65% renewable energy on the power system at any given time, a milestone reached last April.