The Ulster Farmers’ Union says it is 'frustrated and concerned' by the delay to the final decision on the proposed closure of the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation (NIRO) for small scale wind turbines.
NIRO is the main support mechanism for encouraging increased renewable electricity generation in Northern Ireland.
It operates in tandem with the Renewables Obligations in Great Britain - the 'ROS' in Scotland and the 'RO' in England & Wales - in a UK-wide market for Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) issued to generators under the Obligations.
UFU rural enterprise chairman, Gary Hawkes, said: "The consultation period on this ended six weeks ago.
"Despite consensus from the industry on a way forward, and letters to both the DfE minister and the chair of the committee at Stormont, the Department is yet to publish a decision.”
Mr Hawkes said this had taken on a new urgency because the Assembly's summer recess is now just days away.
"If the legislation is not taken forward before then, the delay until the Assembly sits again in September will put further pressure on the small scale renewable sector in Northern Ireland," he said.
Mr Hawkes concluded: "The UFU is urging the Department for Energy to progress the NIRO closure legislation for small scale wind before the summer recess.
"This will protect investments already in place and give much needed certainty to farmers and landowners," he said.
The small scale renewable industry has faced huge challenges which have delayed projects, such as grid connection and planning, and an early NIRO closure compounds these issues.
If enacted into legislation, the early NIRO closure could cost the local farming industry alone at least £20 million through committed planning, consultancy, wildlife survey charges etc.
