Energy Institute makes important contribution to energy debate

Energy Minister Arlene Foster launched the Energy Institute Yearbook today and welcomed the Institute’s contribution to the energy debate in Northern Ireland.

The Institute is a chartered professional body for the international energy industry. The yearbook is published annually and is widely read by professionals and academics working across the energy sector in Northern Ireland.

In the foreword of the Yearbook, Arlene Foster highlights her priorities to ensure access to secure, competitively priced and sustainable energy supplies, whilst supporting economic growth and recognising the need to reduce fuel poverty.

Commenting on these issues the Minister said: “Northern Ireland needs to plan for a sustainable energy future that will also deliver on EU climate change targets and increase security of supply.

“In addition we are working with neighbouring administrations to support further research into alternative energy sources. We are also supporting action to raise energy as an intergovernmental priority for the British Irish Council. This will strengthen regional cooperation to improve security of supply and tackle climate change through practical renewable and energy efficiency measures.

Arlene Foster continued: “The recent energy prices have brought energy efficiency into sharp focus and I will continue to work with Ministerial colleagues to ensure energy efficiency remains at the forefront of the energy agenda.”

The Minister also highlighted the need to revise the current Strategic Energy Framework in the light of changing global and national circumstances, and to reflect the priorities of the Northern Ireland Executive. Arlene Foster urged all stakeholders to take part in the current debate and contribute by responding to the draft framework document which will be open for full consultation early in 2009.

The Minister concluded: “The objective for us all is to achieve a secure, sustainable, and affordable long-term future for energy in Northern Ireland, through innovative and ambitious actions, involving a shared vision with industry and other stakeholders.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body for those working in energy, supporting almost 13,500 professionals internationally.
2. EI promotes the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all its forms and applications. In doing so it addresses the depth and breadth of energy and the energy system, from upstream and downstream hydrocarbons and other primary fuels and renewables, to power generation, transmission and distribution to sustainable development, demand side management and energy efficiency.
3. EI has a number of branches across the UK, and internationally can be found in Hong Kong, Houston (USA), India, the Irish Republic and the Netherlands.
4. For further information on the Energy Institute please contact Katie Pilkington, Honorary Secretary, Tel: 028 9026 5997.
5. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.