Information published by SONI confirms 306,197MWh of wind energy, enough to heat 102 million water tanks, was wasted this year.
The Strangford MLA said: “Instead of allowing clean, green energy to go to waste, we should be using it to provide efficient heating in homes across NI.
“It’s astounding that £94 million worth of excess wind energy was wasted in Quarters 1 and 2 of 2025, and whilst the sun is currently shining and none of us are thinking about heating and energy costs, it won’t be too long before the weather starts to turn, and the price of heating and lighting will hit.
“The Minister for Communities must work with the Minister for the Economy to make the best use of excess wind energy and reduce household energy bills.
“The Housing Executive, in conjunction with EnergyCloud, are already trialling technology to use excess wind energy to heat water tanks. The system enables the emersion heater to be powered by wind energy during unsettled weather and means water can be heated for little cost. This would go a long way in addressing fuel poverty faced by many households.
“The cost of living crisis is exacerbated by the high cost of energy. It’s time Government Departments synchronised actions and recognised the potential of renewable energy so we can best use it to heat our homes, schools and hospitals, and tackle fuel poverty.”
The Strangford MLA said: “Instead of allowing clean, green energy to go to waste, we should be using it to provide efficient heating in homes across NI.
“It’s astounding that £94 million worth of excess wind energy was wasted in Quarters 1 and 2 of 2025, and whilst the sun is currently shining and none of us are thinking about heating and energy costs, it won’t be too long before the weather starts to turn, and the price of heating and lighting will hit.
“The Minister for Communities must work with the Minister for the Economy to make the best use of excess wind energy and reduce household energy bills.
“The Housing Executive, in conjunction with EnergyCloud, are already trialling technology to use excess wind energy to heat water tanks. The system enables the emersion heater to be powered by wind energy during unsettled weather and means water can be heated for little cost. This would go a long way in addressing fuel poverty faced by many households.
“The cost of living crisis is exacerbated by the high cost of energy. It’s time Government Departments synchronised actions and recognised the potential of renewable energy so we can best use it to heat our homes, schools and hospitals, and tackle fuel poverty.”