The Northern Ireland government is aiming to produce 600MW through offshore wind power. Northern Ireland seeks to supply 40% of its energy needs with renewables by 2020.
Northern Ireland energy minister, and stand-in first minister, Arlene Foster is consulting on the SEA and a draft Strategic Action Plan for meeting 600 MW of offshore wind as well as a 300 MW target for tidal energy.
The targets will help Northern Ireland meet its ambitious 2020 aim of 40% of electricity from renewables. Meantime, its interim 2012 target of 12% is likely to be met mostly by onshore wind.