Unlocking Growth in NI’s Green Sector

By Darren Lemon, Managing Director, b4b Renewables

Investing in Northern Ireland’s renewable energy sector can significantly enhance economic growth and prosperity.

The NI Executive’s recent draft ‘Programme for Government’ outlines its vision across three key themes: people, planet, and prosperity.

Central to this is the mission to “harness the potential of a green growth economy.” By leveraging Northern Ireland’s existing strengths in renewables, we have an opportunity to position our region as a global leader in the green economy.

Expertise & Collaboration

Northern Ireland is fortunate to already have a wealth of expertise in renewables, with invaluable contributions from institutions like Geological Survey Northern Ireland.  Just look at our strong legacy in manufacturing and engineering, and you’ll see how well-positioned we are to lead with innovative solutions.

The challenge now lies in how we expand upon this expertise to fuel further growth, educate future generations, and reskill those in traditional industries for careers in renewables. Economy Minister Conor Murphy’s recent suggestion of skills academies is a promising step in this direction.

Imagine the impact: architects integrating renewable energy into their designs, engineers developing state-of-the-art sustainable solutions, and builders implementing high-efficiency construction methods. Through this collaboration, we can make meaningful progress toward decarbonising the housing sector.

‘Green Growth’ Strategy

The Executive’s proposed ‘Green Growth’ strategy lays out a clear path to a sustainable future, supported by investments like the £15 million allocated to the Energy and Resource Efficiency Support Scheme.

Such investments into our indigenous renewables sector are vital and will only help boost economic growth and productivity. As highlighted in the Economy Minister’s ‘Path to Net Zero,’ published in March, the global transition to net zero could unlock £1 trillion in opportunities for UK businesses by 2030.

Unique Advantage

Our region enjoys a strategic advantage with unique access to both EU and UK markets, an asset minister Murphy continues to emphasise.

b4b Renewables, with a customer base across the UK and Ireland, recognises Northern Ireland’s potential to be a key player in the global shift towards net zero.

Considering recent economic shocks and rising energy costs, it’s more important than ever for businesses and the government to collaborate on sustainable solutions that mitigate risks and ensure a smooth transition to a green economy.

Working Together

At b4b Renewables, we’re committed to driving the transition through our work in solar generation and battery storage solutions. Our customer base spans commercial, manufacturing, and retail sectors across the UK and Ireland.

Earlier this year, we acquired a majority stake in Daly Renewables, with plans to create 20 new jobs over the next two years, further showcasing our commitment to the renewables sector in Northern Ireland.

One of our exemplary projects is the Randalstown project with the Rural Housing Association, where a communal geothermal heating system provides 100% of the heating and water needs for the tenants. This project exemplifies how Northern Ireland can lead in decarbonising local heat networks and moving away from fossil fuels.

There’s never been a better time for businesses and the NI Executive to work together, leveraging our local expertise, technology, and natural resources to set a global benchmark for the green economy.