PHOENIX IN TIMELY REMINDER ON THE POTENTIAL OF NATURAL GAS TO BE THE LARGEST CONTRIBUTOR TO REDUCING NORTHERN IRELAND’S CARBON FOOTPRINT OVER THE NEXT DECADE
31st January 2007
At the CBI’s Energy Forum today delegates heard from the CBI’s Energy Policy Adviser, the local Energy Regulator & local electricity and gas companies on the prospects for the local energy market.
Local gas company Phoenix Natural Gas reminded the audience on the importance of natural gas’ role in partnership with the developing renewable technologies in reducing Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint. Richard Rodgers, the Business Development Director with Phoenix said:
“Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, producing 25% less carbon emissions than heating oil. Around 15% of homes in Northern Ireland use natural gas for heating compared to over 90% in Great Britain, resulting in a lower carbon economy due to such high usage”.
Rodgers continued:
“The development of the natural gas market to maturity over the coming decades, right across Northern Ireland, will deliver significant carbon emission reductions, particularly with the installation of high-efficiency heating system upgrades. The combination of natural gas acceleration and the Government’s fund of £60m targeting the delivery of renewable initiatives will ensure not only will Northern Ireland be doing its bit to combat global warming, but in a way that will keep its industry and commerce globally competitive - natural gas remains the most economically and environmentally sensible bridge to sustainable renewable energy”.
Rodgers concluded by reflecting on prospective downward shifts in gas costs for consumers:
“We are also pleased to confirm today that wholesale gas costs are continuing to fall and the price reductions that are already feeding through to larger business consumers are set to feed through to a price reduction for domestic consumers from April.”