NEWS
Ireland and Northern Ireland’s ambitious goals of generating 80% of their electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade will be delayed until at least 2032, according to a new forecast from Cornwall Insight. Data included in its Single Electricity Market (SEM) Benchmark Power Curve suggests only 70% of the power grid will be using renewable sources by 2030, with the rest generated by gas plants. Significant progress has been made, said Cornwall Insight, with SEM currently boasting the highest contribution of wind generation of any power system in the world. It predicts the percentage of electricity from renewables will rise from just over 40% in 2023 to 82% in 2032. Challenges include delays in planning and a shortage of grid connections, limiting successful onshore wind projects bids to only three last year. Northern Ireland is currently designing its own renewable support scheme, aiming to boost renewable energy projects. The first auction is anticipated for 2025/26, but much of the procured capacity is expected to come online after 2030. www.cornwall-insight.com All-Ireland renewable electricity targets set to be missed by two years
Powerpoint Engineering’s charity cycle team at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Spanish cycle event raises €35,550 for Down Syndrome charity
Powerpoint Engineering has presented a cheque for €35,550 to the Down Syndrome Centre Midlands in Portlaoise after raising the funds through a charity cycle. Team members Conor McGarry, Johan Erasmus, David Phelan and Gavin Deering embarked on a 543km route from Santander to Santiago de Compostela in Spain over August 22 to 25. Down Syndrome Centre Midlands provides vital family-focused services helping children with Down Syndrome to reach their full potential in a positive manner. Services include speech and language therapy, occupational
therapy, sports and social outings for the families. Representing Powerpoint Engineering’s 4th Annual Charity Cycle, the business last year raised a further €37,455 to enhance the development of children with Down Syndrome. Based in Portlaoise, Powerpoint Engineering aims to provide best- in-class expertise in the supply of electrical safety-related products, services, training and support to energy providers, consultants, contractors and high energy users across Ireland and Europe. www.powerpoint.ie
HSENI and Economy Minister call on workers to ‘Drive Danger Out’
Following simple steps and checks when driving vehicles in factories and construction sites can help reduce deaths and injury at work, a new campaign is highlighting. Economy Minister Conor Murphy endorsed the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) ‘Drive Danger Out’ campaign at an event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont on September 9. Also supporting the campaign are the Utility Regulator, Manufacturing NI and the Construction Employers Federation.
Drive Danger Out was launched last year by HSENI to promote its ongoing inspection programme aimed at reducing the number of people killed or injured as a result of incidents involving workplace transport. The campaign also featured social media videos from comedian Colin Geddis, which target younger people such as apprentices to promote awareness of the risks associated with workplace transport, whether in a factory, construction site or any workplace. www.hseni.gov.uk/workplacetransport
L-R: Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Robert Kidd, Chief Executive, HSENI.
Since 2012, 36 workers have lost their lives in incidents involving workplace vehicles, with more than 160 having been seriously injured.
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IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 9
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