Renewable energy applications in Northern Ireland have reduced further, according to a report published today (18 December).

The number of applications received in the second quarter of 2014/15 fell by just over one fifth (21%) to 120 compared to the same period last year.

This follows on from quarter one when numbers were down by almost half (49%) from the previous year's quarter, and continues a downward trend in such applications from the peak levels witnessed in 2011/12. This is despite overall numbers of planning applications beginning to rise again, with an 8% increase recorded in quarter two.

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The renewable energy reductions are being driven by falling numbers of single wind turbine applications, down by around one third in the quarter to 91, whilst only one application for a wind farm was received in this latest quarter compared to five in same period last year.

The decreases, however, have been partially offset by increases in applications for solar panels, biomass/anaerobic digesters and hydroelectricity schemes, although numbers involved here are on a much smaller scale compared to the single wind turbines.

(CD/JP)