Muir welcomes Wind Energy Market Engagement for DAERA Forests
Date published:
Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the launch of the Forest Service Wind Energy Market Engagement with the renewable electricity sector.
The market engagement invites wind energy developers to identify those sites on the Forest Service estate, that are of greatest interest for future wind energy generation.
This opportunity recognises the potential for Forest Service forests to contribute to meeting the requirement for 80% electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, as set out in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Welcoming the launch Minister Muir said: “I recognise the significant potential for DAERA forests to contribute to Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity and climate change targets, while continuing to manage our forests sustainably. This market engagement provides the opportunity for the renewable electricity sector to share its assessment of how the potential may be realised.
“Input from the sector will greatly assist my Department’s analysis of, which forests on its estate have the greatest potential to contribute to future wind energy generation. I look forward to receiving the market responses and working with the sector towards achieving Northern Ireland’s renewable electricity commitments.”
Construction Procurement & Delivery (CPD) is running this engagement exercise on behalf of the Forest Service. Interest parties are invited to respond through the CPD eTendersNI portal by 3pm on 31 March 2025.
Notes to editors:
- Forest Service is an Executive Agency delivering forestry and plant health functions on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Agency manages approximately 75,000 hectares of forest estate, which represents almost 6% of Northern Ireland land area.
- The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 commits the Department for the Economy to ensure that at least 80% of electricity consumption is from renewable sources by 2030.
- Respondents can contact the eTendersNI helpdesk on 08002404545 or via email to ni-eproc-helpdesk@eurodyn.com for assistance
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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