Introduction
by Chief Executive of NI Water
Addressing climate change is the moral and practical challenge of our times. Not just for the health of our planet, but for the health of our children and grandchildren.
As the beneficiaries of the fossil fuel era, coming generations will expect us not just to have dealt with the consequences of climate change, but also to have put in place a sustainable future, including here in Northern Ireland.
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The Changing Energy Context
15%
of generating capacity has to be turned off.
50%
of our electricity coming from renewable sources.
Northern Ireland needs to double its renewable generation by
2030
Did you know… NI Water is Northern Ireland’s single, largest electricity consumer.
NI Water’s assets have the potential to become a catalyst for transforming Northern Ireland’s energy system.
Batteries
Battery storage solutions could play a pivotal role in helping to balance demand and supply in the renewable energy era.
Pumped Hydro Storage
Pumped hydro storage could be used in addressing prolonged periods of intermittent weather on the electricity supply.
Electrolysis
A potential game-changer in decarbonising our transport system & improving wastewater processing.
Oxygen
The use of oxygen could transform the operation of some of our major wastewater treatment works.
A low carbon economy?
The drive for green growth is also encouraging NI Water to think about how it can help other sectors of the Northern Ireland economy benefit from the transition to low carbon by building on our traditional strengths of engineering and agriculture.
Next steps
Transitioning to a low carbon, green growth economy poses huge challenges for Northern Ireland, but also creates huge opportunities.
The greatest of those opportunities is to substitute local, low carbon sources of energy for our historic dependence on imported, high carbon fuels.
The Power of Water Report
The Power of Water Report was published on Wednesday 3rd November 2021 at an event in ICC Belfast. The event was attended in-person and virtually by representatives from across government, the utilities, business and civic society.
Watch it back here:
Want to find out more?
Download the full report