THE UK’s chief adviser on climate change has called for politicians in the north to unite in support to key infrastructure projects - such as the north-south interconnector - to aid the green recovery and reduce carbon emissions.
Chris Stark, addressing more than 100 business leaders in a webinar hosted by the Institute of Directors, said such projects, including the interconnector project could help the region play a critical role in hitting the UK’s target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
He said: “As businesses enter recovery mode following the Covid-19 peak, there are major economic opportunities from the transition to zero carbon.
“We need a unifying vision and strong leadership from the politicians, and the support of the business community and consumers here.
“Northern Ireland is playing catch-up on climate, so proactive leadership is needed, including investment in the critical infrastructure to support a low carbon transition for power generation, heat supply and transport.”
As well as improving security of supply and reducing energy costs, the north south interconnector - which has been in planning for a decade but still waits final approval from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon - will enable the connection of 900 megawatts of renewable generation, enough to power 600,000 homes.
IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan said: “We were pleased to facilitate Chris for his first major address to a Northern Ireland business audience in what was an extremely timely event coming after lockdown.
“We are seeing the climate change emergency rising to the top of board agendas, particularly as we transition to a post-coronavirus recovery.
“It is clear now is the time to rebuild and move towards a green economy that will boost that recovery over the coming months and years.”
Jo Aston, managing director of the north's electricity system operator SONI, which facilitated the discussion on the increasingly urgent climate crisis, said: “There is a clear opportunity for Northern Ireland’s post pandemic recovery, but we need to start taking real and meaningful action.
“We already have a world-leading electricity system which can now handle 65 per cent electricity from renewables at any one time but there is still much to do.
“The support from Chis Stark is hugely welcome and illustrates that a positive planning decision on the north south interconnector remains imperative if Northern Ireland is to play its part and realise the economic opportunities from addressing climate change.”
The Committee on Climate Change provides advice and oversight to central government and the devolved administrations on tackling and preparing for climate change.
