Developing east west energy connections

Energy Minister Arlene Foster met Jim Mather, her Scottish counterpart, in Belfast last week to discuss the energy challenges facing Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Following the meeting Arlene Foster said: “The primary focus of energy policy world-wide is increasingly moving towards security of supply and the threat of climate change. We need to maximise the opportunities for cooperation, regionally, nationally and in Europe in the face of external political and economic pressures on energy supplies.”

The minister continued: “Minister Mather and I have agreed to meet on a regular basis to share thinking and to work on projects that can help deliver sustainable, secure and affordable energy for consumers. A key focus will be on practical measures to maximise the opportunities from our off shore renewable energy resources.”

Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather said: “I am delighted to be working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive. We are already collaborating on a feasibility study for better grid connections and the potential for energy from marine biomass. We will continue to regularly progress ways of securing a sustainable and economically viable energy sector for the benefit of both our economies and our environments.”

Earlier this week Energy Minister Arlene Foster launched a scoping paper for a new strategic energy framework for Northern Ireland. The paper asks questions about the energy challenges facing Northern Ireland now and in the future. This will lead the way to further consultation in early 2009 on a new strategy for energy policy.

Notes to Editors:

1. The DETI “Northern Ireland Strategic Energy Framework 2009 – Pre-consultation Scoping Paper” was launched at NI Energy Forum on 13 November. It can be found at www.energy.detini.gov.uk/consulations. Responses to the paper are requested by 8 January 2009.
2. For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.