Northern Ireland wind energy company Simple Power applauded Energy Minister Arlene Foster for her strong decision on renewable energy, announced last night following a year-long review, which will bring significant economic benefits in the form of economic growth, jobs and a boost for the rural economy.

Simple Power's praise for the Minster follows the announcement of her decision to maintain the level of incentives for the fledging medium wind sector in the region.

Paul Carson, CEO of Simple Power welcomed the decision, announced by the Department of Trade and Investment (DETI) confirmed the subsidies for renewable energy under the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO).

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"While her Great Britain counterparts are viewed by many as having bowed to opposition, the Minister's unwavering support is very good news for the wind industry here and will bring economic growth, jobs as well as a boost for the rural economy in Northern Ireland.

"In her review, the Minister has recognised that medium scale wind development, in the form of the single wind turbines, is one of the most straight forward and accessible forms of renewable energy generation. Single wind turbine projects can be delivered within two years and this is clearly a key reason behind the decision to maintain incentives.

"Despite facing what was no doubt a strong degree of pressure from the Department of Energy and Climate Change and others, Arlene Foster has taken a strong stance on the setting of ROC levels that meet the specific requirements of the Northern Ireland market. For the medium wind industry, the setting of incentives at 4 ROC's is absolutely crucial and provides the certainty we have long been waiting for."

Simple Power is in the process of developing 200 medium scale 250kW single wind turbines in Northern Ireland. It is contributing to Northern Ireland’s renewable energy output with its first two turbines in County Antrim.

(CD/GK)