NIE Networks is creating 110 new jobs as it rolls out a plan to help electricity users in Northern Ireland adopt clean energy technology.
The move is part of a £50 million investment over the next three years by the body which operates Northern Ireland’s electricity transmission and distribution network and will create additional capacity for customers adopting low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.
It said it is on the lookout for a range of roles, from engineers, analysts and in professional business support such as IT and digital, procurement, human resources and finance.
NIE Networks said the investment in clean energy will help grow the green economy and reduce Northern Ireland’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
“The electricity network sits at the heart of Northern Ireland’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions and is a central component of economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Paul Stapleton, Managing Director of NIE Networks, said. “Our investment and the skills we bring on board and develop at NIE Networks in the next few years will help Northern Ireland reach those aims and supercharge green growth in the years ahead.
“We’re delighted to be hiring in all areas of the organisation and it is an exciting time to be working at the cutting edge of clean energy technology. NIE Networks are a key enabler for Northern Ireland’s society and economy and we look forward to rolling out further investment plans in the near future.”
The funding for the £50 million investment was approved by the utility regulator.
“We have a real opportunity to build a low carbon future by investing prudently in electricity infrastructure in Northern Ireland,” John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator, said. “Today’s announcement represents an important milestone in taking practical, tangible steps to deliver on net zero.
“This investment will assist us in meeting the NI Executive’s targets for net zero by increasing renewable generation and the adoption of low carbon technologies by consumers across Northern Ireland.”
