A call has been issued for additional features which could strengthen the Department for Economy's draft Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (OREAP).

RenewableNI welcomed the draft plan, but called for improvements in its consultation response.

"We recognise the substantial work in developing the draft OREAP," said RenewableNI Director, Steven Agnew. "This is the kind of collaborative working that is often talked about but rarely delivered.

"While we agree with the plan's core values, we believe some key additions would strengthen it and deliver a better outcome for the industry, the consumer and the environment."

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He continued by saying the current 1GW target from 2030 is too vague and does not provide sufficient investor confidence. 

"The OREAP will be a key signal to investors and to other stakeholders including SONI, NIE Networks and the Utility Regulator.

"They will be crucial in delivering the connections policy needed to drive offshore generation. A minimum required approach by these stakeholders will likely constrain the offshore potential and possibly extinguish it entirely. NI is competing for investment with our GB neighbours who have a target of 50GW by 2030, not from 2030. In Ireland, the target is for seven GW by 2030. While NI cannot deliver this level of capacity, we can match their ambition."

RenewableNI also questioned SONI's plans, originally set at 100MW of offshore wind but since raised to 500MW. "Realistically, this would allow for only one offshore project. With three potential projects currently under consideration this is insufficient. DfE must provide leadership and set a 1GW by 2030 target and set the agenda for the other key stakeholders."