Paper manufacturing energy efficiency

Renewable energy is generated from natural sources. Microgeneration is small-scale use of natural sources to generate electricity.

Generating renewable energy can save you money and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases your business emits.

Renewable energy sources include:

• water or hydropower
• wind power
• solar power
• wave power
• tidal power
• biomass
• anaerobic digestion

For information about the different sources of renewable energy, see how to generate your own renewable energy.

Planning permission for renewable energy developments

If you want to build a renewable energy development you may need to apply for planning permission from the planning service.

Renewables in protected areas

If the site you wish to develop is in a conservation or protected area, you must notify the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Find out if your proposed site is in or near a protected area using NIEA's online interactive maps.

If your site has archaeological or architectural interest you must inform NIEA.